Configuration and fabrication of semiconductor structure using empty and filled wells

ABSTRACT

A semiconductor structure, which serves as the core of a semiconductor fabrication platform, has a combination of empty-well regions and filled-well regions variously used by electronic elements, particularly insulated-gate field-effect transistors (“IGFETs”), to achieve desired electronic characteristics. A relatively small amount of semiconductor well dopant is near the top of an empty well. A considerable amount of semiconductor well dopant is near the top of a filled well. Some IGFETs ( 100, 102, 112, 114, 124 , and  126 ) utilize empty wells ( 180, 182, 192, 194, 204 , and  206 ) in achieving desired transistor characteristics. Other IGFETs ( 108, 110, 116, 118, 120 , and  122 ) utilize filled wells ( 188, 190, 196, 198, 200 , and  202 ) in achieving desired transistor characteristics. The combination of empty and filled wells enables the semiconductor fabrication platform to provide a wide variety of high-performance IGFETs from which circuit designers can select particular IGFETs for various analog and digital applications, including mixed-signal applications.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to the following U.S. patent applicationsall filed on the same date as this application: U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/382,976 (Bulucea et al.), U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/382,977 (Parker et al.), U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/382,972(Bahl et al.), U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/382,966 (Yang etal.), U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/382,967 (Yang et al.) U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/382/968 (Bulucea et al.), U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/382,969 (Bulucea et al.), U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/382,974 (French et al.), U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/382,971 (Bulucea et al.), and U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/382,970 (Chaparala et al.), To the extent not repeated herein,the contents of these other applications are incorporated herein byreference herein.

FIELD OF USE

This invention relates to semiconductor technology and, in particular,to field-effect transistors (“FETs”) of the insulated-gate type. All ofthe insulated-gate FETs (“IGFETs”) described below are surface-channelenhancement-mode IGFETs except as otherwise indicated.

BACKGROUND

An IGFET is a semiconductor device in which a gate dielectric layerelectrically insulates a gate electrode from a channel zone extendingbetween a source zone and a drain zone. The channel zone in anenhancement-mode IGFET is part of a body region, often termed thesubstrate or substrate region, which forms respective pn junctions withthe source and drain. In an enhancement-mode IGFET, the channel zoneconsists of all the semiconductor material between the source and drain.During IGFET operation, charge carriers move from the source to thedrain through a channel induced in the channel zone along the uppersemiconductor surface. The threshold voltage is the value of thegate-to-source voltage at which the IGFET starts to conduct current fora given definition of the threshold (minimum) conduction current. Thechannel length is the distance between the source and drain along theupper semiconductor surface.

IGFETs are employed in integrated circuits (“ICs”) to perform variousdigital and analog functions. As IC operational capabilities haveadvanced over the years, IGFETs have become progressively smaller,leading to a progressive decrease in minimum channel length. An IGFETthat operates in the way prescribed by the classical model for an IGFETis often characterized as a “long-channel” device. An IGFET is describedas a “short-channel” device when the channel length is reduced to suchan extent that the IGFET's behavior deviates significantly from theclassical IGFET model. Although both short-channel and long-channelIGFETs are employed in ICs, the great majority of ICs utilized fordigital functions in very large scale integration applications are laidout to have the smallest channel length reliably producible withavailable lithographic technology.

A depletion region extends along the junction between the source and thebody region. Another depletion region extends along the junction betweenthe drain and the body region. A high electric field is present in eachdepletion region. Under certain conditions, especially when the channellength is small, the drain depletion region can laterally extend to thesource depletion region and merge with it along or below the uppersemiconductor surface. The merging of the source and drain depletionregions along the upper semiconductor surface is termed surfacepunchthrough. The merging of the two depletion regions below the uppersemiconductor surface is termed bulk punchthrough. When surface or bulkpunchthrough occurs, the operation of the IGFET cannot be controlledwith its gate electrode. Both types of punchthrough need to be avoided.

Various techniques have been employed to improve the performance ofIGFETs, including those operating in the short-channel regime, as IGFETdimensions have decreased. One performance improvement techniqueinvolves providing an IGFET with a two-part drain for reducing theelectric field at the drain so as to avoid hot carrier injection intothe gate dielectric layer. The IGFET is also commonly provided with asimilarly configured two-part source. Another conventional performanceimprovement technique is to increase the dopant concentration of thechannel zone in a pocket portion along the source for inhibiting surfacepunchthrough as channel length is reduced and for shifting generallyundesired roll-off of the threshold voltage to shorter channel length.Similar to how the IGFET is provided with a two-part source analogous tothe two-part drain, the dopant concentration is also commonly increasedin a pocket portion along the drain. The resulting IGFET is thentypically a symmetric device.

FIG. 1 illustrates such a conventional long-channel symmetric n-channelIGFET 20 as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,548,842 B1 (Bulucea et al.).IGFET 20 is created from a p-type monocrystalline silicon(“monosilicon”) semiconductor body. The upper surface of IGFET 20 isprovided with recessed electrically insulating field-insulating region22 that laterally surrounds active semiconductor island 24 having n-typesource/drain (“S/D”) zones 26 and 28. Each S/D zone 26 or 28 consists ofvery heavily doped main portion 26M or 28M and more lightly doped, butstill heavily doped, lateral extension 26E or 28E.

S/D zones 26 and 28 are separated from each other by channel zone 30 ofp-type body material 32 consisting of lightly doped lower portion 34,heavily doped intermediate well portion 36, and upper portion 38.Although most of upper body-material portion 38 is moderately doped,portion 38 includes ion-implanted heavily doped halo pocket portions 40and 42 that respectively extend along S/D zones 26 and 28. IGFET 20further includes gate dielectric layer 44, overlying very heavily dopedn-type polycrystalline silicon (“polysilicon”) gate electrode 46,electrically insulating gate sidewall spacers 48 and 50, and metalsilicide layers 52, 54, and 56.

S/D zones 26 and 28 are largely mirror images of each other. Halopockets 40 and 42 are also largely mirror images of each other so thatchannel zone 30 is symmetrically longitudinally graded with respect tochannel dopant concentration. Due to the symmetry, either S/D zone 26 or28 can act as source during IGFET operation while the other S/D zone 28or 26 acts as drain. This is especially suitable for some digitalsituations where S/D zones 26 and 28 respectively function as source anddrain during certain time periods and respectively as drain and sourceduring other time periods.

FIG. 2 illustrates how net dopant concentration N_(N) varies as afunction of longitudinal distance x for IGFET 20. Since IGFET 20 is asymmetric device, FIG. 2 presents only a half profile starting from thechannel center. Curve segments 26M*, 26E*, 28M*, 28E*, 30*, 40*, and 42*in FIG. 2 respectively represent the net dopant concentrations ofregions 26M, 26E, 28M, 28E, 30, 40, and 42. Dotted curve segment 40″ or42″ indicates the total concentration of the p-type semiconductor dopantthat forms halo pocket 40 or 42, including the p-type dopant introducedinto the location for S/D zone 26 or 28 in the course of forming pocket40 or 42.

The increased p-type dopant channel dopant concentration provided byeach halo pocket 40 or 42 along S/D zone 26 or 28, specifically alonglateral S/D extension 26E or 28E, causes surface punchthrough to beavoided. Upper body-material portion 38 is also provided withion-implanted p-type anti-punchthrough (“APT”) semiconductor dopant thatreaches a maximum concentration in the vicinity of the depth of S/Dzones 26 and 28. This causes bulk punchthrough to be avoided.

Based on the information presented in U.S. Pat. No. 6,548,842, FIG. 3 aroughly depicts how concentrations N_(T) of the total p-type and totaln-type dopants vary as a function of depth y along an imaginary verticalline extending through main S/D portion 26M or 28M. Curve segment 26M″or 28M″ in FIG. 3 a represent the total concentration of the n-typedopant that defines main S/D portion 26M or 28M. Curve segments 34″,36″, 38″, 40″, and 42″ together represent the total concentration of thep-type dopant that defines respective regions 34, 36, 38, 40, and 42.

Well portion 36 is defined by ion implanting IGFET 20 with p-type mainwell semiconductor dopant that reaches a maximum concentration at adepth below that of the maximum concentration of the p-type APT dopant.Although, the maximum concentration of the p-type main well dopant issomewhat greater than the maximum concentration of the p-type APTdopant, the vertical profile of the total p-type dopant is relativelyflat from the location of the maximum well-dopant concentration up tomain S/D portion 26M or 28M. U.S. Pat. No. 6,548,842 discloses that thep-type dopant profile along the above-mentioned vertical line throughmain S/D portion 26M or 28M can be further flattened by implanting anadditional p-type semiconductor dopant that reaches a maximumconcentration at a depth between the depths of the maximumconcentrations of APT and well dopants. This situation is illustrated inFIG. 3 b where curve segment 58″ indicates the variation caused by thefurther p-type dopant.

Body material 32 is alternatively referred to as a well because it iscreated by introducing p-type semiconductor dopant into lightly dopedsemiconductor material of a semiconductor body. The so-introduced totalwell dopant here consists of the p-type main well dopant, the APTdopant, and, in the IGFET variation of FIG. 3 b, the additional p-typedopant.

Various types of wells have been employed in ICs, particularly ICscontaining complementary IGFETs where wells must be used for either then-channel or p-channel IGFETs depending on whether the lightly dopedstarting semiconductor material for the IGFET body material is of p-typeor n-type conductivity. ICs containing complementary IGFETs commonly useboth p-type and n-type wells in order to facilitate matching ofn-channel and p-channel IGFET characteristics.

Early complementary-IGFET (“CIGFET”) fabrication processes commonlytermed “CMOS” fabrication often created wells, referred to here as“diffused” wells, by first introducing main semiconductor well dopantshallowly into lightly doped semiconductor material prior to formationof a recessed field-insulating region typically consisting largely ofthermally grown silicon oxide. Because the field-oxide growth wasinvariably performed at high temperature over a multi-hour period, thewell dopant diffused deeply into the semiconductor material. As aresult, the maximum concentration of the diffused well dopant occurredat, or very close to, the upper semiconductor surface. Also, thevertical profile of the diffused well dopant was relatively flat nearthe upper semiconductor surface.

In more recent CIGFET fabrication processes, ion implantation atrelatively high implantation energies has been utilized to create wellssubsequent to formation of the field oxide. Since the well dopant is notsubjected to the long high-temperature operation used to form the fieldoxide, the maximum concentration of the well dopant occurs at asignificant depth into the semiconductor material. Such a well isreferred to as a “retrograde” well because the concentration of the welldopant decreases in moving from the subsurface location of the maximumwell-dopant concentration to the upper semiconductor surface. Retrogradewells are typically shallower than diffused wells. The advantages anddisadvantages of retrograde wells are discussed in (a) Brown et al.,“Trends in Advanced Process Technology—Submicrometer CMOS Device Designand Process Requirements”, Procs. IEEE, December 1986, pp. 1678-1702,and (b) Thompson et al., “MOS Scaling: Transistor Challenges for the21st Century”, Intel Technology J., Q398, 1998, pp. 1-19.

FIG. 4 illustrates symmetric n-channel IGFET 60 that employs aretrograde well as generally described in Rung et al. (“Rung”), “ARetrograde p-Well for Higher Density CMOS”, IEEE Trans Elec. Devs.,October 1981, pp. 1115-1119. Regions in FIG. 4 corresponding to regionsin FIG. 1 are, for simplicity, identified with the same referencesymbols. With this in mind, IGFET 60 is created from lightly dopedn-type substrate 62. Recessed field-insulating region 22 is formed alongthe upper semiconductor surface according to thelocal-oxidation-of-silicon process. P-type retrograde well 64 issubsequently formed by selectively implanting p-type semiconductordopant into part of substrate 62. The remaining IGFET regions are thenformed to produce IGFET 60 as shown in FIG. 4.

The p-type dopant concentration of retrograde well 64 is at moderatelevel, indicated by the symbol “p”, in the vicinity of the peak welldopant concentration. The well dopant concentration drops to a lowlevel, indicated by the symbol “p−” at the upper semiconductor surface.The dotted line in FIG. 4 indicates generally where the well dopantconcentrations transitions from the p level to the p− level in movingfrom the p portion of well 64 to the upper semiconductor surface.

FIG. 5 indicates the general nature of the dopant profile along animaginary vertical line through the longitudinal center of IGFET 60 interms of net dopant concentration N_(N). Curve segments 62″ and 64″respectively represent the net dopant concentrations of n-type substrate62 and p-type retrograde well 64. Arrow 66 indicates the location of themaximum subsurface p-type dopant concentration in well 64. Forcomparison, curve segment 68″ represents the vertical dopant profile ofa typical deeper p-type diffused well.

A specific example of the dopant profile along an imaginary verticalline through the longitudinal center of retrograde well 64 as simulatedby Rung is depicted in FIG. 6 in terms of net dopant concentrationN_(N). Curve segment 26″ or 28″ indicates the net dopant concentrationalong an imaginary vertical line through S/D zone 26 or 28 of Rung'ssimulation of IGFET 60. As FIG. 6 indicates, the concentration of thep-type well dopant decreases by more than a factor of 10 in moving fromlocation 66 of the maximum p-type dopant concentration in well 64 to theupper semiconductor surface. FIG. 6 also indicates that the depth oflocation 66 is approximately twice as deep as S/D zone 26 or 28 in IGFET60.

A retrograde IGFET well, such as well 64, whose maximum well dopantconcentration (i) is at least a factor of 10 greater than the welldopant concentration at the upper semiconductor surface and (ii) occursrelatively deep compared to, e.g., deeper than, the maximum depth of theS/D zones can be viewed as an “empty” well since there is a relativelysmall amount of well dopant near the top of the well where the IGFET'schannel forms. In contrast, a diffused well is a “filled” well. The wellfor symmetric IGFET 20 in FIG. 1 can likewise be viewed as a filled wellsince the APT dopant “fills” the retrograde well that would otherwiseoccur if the main well dopant were the only well dopant.

A symmetric IGFET structure is generally not needed in situations wherecurrent flows in only one direction through an IGFET during deviceoperation. As further discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,548,842, drain-sidehalo pocket portion 42 of symmetric IGFET 20 can be deleted to producelong n-channel IGFET 70 as shown in FIG. 7 a. IGFET 70 is an asymmetricdevice because channel zone 30 is asymmetrically longitudinally dopantgraded. S/D zones 26 and 28 in IGFET 70 respectively function as sourceand drain. FIG. 7 b illustrates asymmetric short n-channel IGFET 72corresponding to long-channel IGFET 70. In IGFET 72, source-side halopocket 40 closely approaches drain 28. Net dopant concentration N_(N) asa function of longitudinal distance x along the upper semiconductorsurface is shown in FIGS. 8 a and 8 b respectively for IGFETs 70 and 72.

Asymmetric IGFETs 70 and 72 receive the same APT and well implants assymmetric IGFET 60. Along vertical lines extending through source 26 anddrain 28, IGFETs 70 and 72 thus have the dopant distributions shown inFIG. 3 a except that dashed-line curve segment 74 represents thevertical dopant distribution through drain 28 due to the absence of halopocket 42. When the IGFET structure is provided with the additional wellimplant to further flatten the vertical dopant profile, FIG. 3 bpresents the consequent vertical dopant distributions again subject tocurve segment 74″ representing the dopant distribution through drain 28.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,078,082 and 6,127,700 (both Bulucea) describe IGFETshaving asymmetric channel zones but different vertical dopantcharacteristics than those employed in the inventive IGFETs of U.S. Pat.No. 6,548,842. IGFETs having asymmetric channel zones are also examinedin other prior art documents such as (a) Buti et al., “Asymmetrical HaloSource GOLD drain (HS-GOLD) Deep Sub-half n-Micron MOSFET Design forReliability and Performance”, IEDM Tech. Dig., 3-6 Dec. 1989, pp.26.2.1-26.2.4, (b) Chai et al., “A Cost-Effective 0.25 μm L_(eff) BiCMOSTechnology Featuring Graded-Channel CMOS (GCMOS) and a Quasi-SelfAligned (QSA) NPN for RF Wireless Applications”, Procs. 2000Bipolar/BiCMOS Circs. and Tech. Meeting, 24-26 Sep. 2000, pp. 110-113,(c) Ma et al., “Graded-Channel MOSFET (GCMOSFET) for High Performance,Low Voltage DSP Applications”, IEEE Trans. VLSI Systs. Dig., December1997, pp. 352-358, (d) Su et al., “A High-Performance Scalable SubmicronMOSFET for Mixed Analog/Digital Applications”, IEDM Tech. Dig., December1991, pp. 367-370, and (e) Tsui et al., “A Volatile Half-MicronComplementary BiCMOS Technology for Microprocessor-Based Smart PowerApplications”, IEEE Trans. Elec. Devs., March 1995, pp. 564-570.

Choi et al. (“Choi”), “Design and analysis of a new self-alignedasymmetric structure for deep sub-micrometer MOSFET”, Solid-StateElectronics, Vol. 45, 2001, pp. 1673-1678, describes an asymmetricn-channel IGFET configured similarly to IGFET 70 or 72 except that thesource extension is more heavily doped than the drain extension. Choi'sIGFET also lacks a well region corresponding to intermediate wellportion 36. FIG. 9 illustrates Choi's IGFET 80 using the same referencesymbols as used for IGFET 70 or 72 to identify corresponding regions.Although source extension 26E and drain extension 28E are both labeled“n+” in FIG. 9, the doping in source extension 26E of IGFET 80 issomewhat more than a factor of 10 greater than the doping in drainextension 28E. Choi indicates that the heavier source-extension dopingshould reduce the increased source-associated parasitic capacitance thatotherwise results from the presence of halo pocket 40 along source 26.

FIGS. 10 a-10 d (collectively “FIG. 10”) represent steps in Choi'sprocess for fabricating IGFET 80. Referring to FIG. 10 a, precursors 44Pand 46P respectively to gate dielectric layer 44 and polysilicon gateelectrode 46P are successively formed along p-type monosilicon wafer 34Pthat constitutes a precursor to body-material portion 34. A layer of padoxide is deposited on precursor gate-electrode layer 46P and patternedto produce pad oxide layer 82. A layer of silicon nitride is depositedon top of the structure and partially removed to produce nitride region84 that laterally abuts pad oxide 82 and leaves part of gate-electrodelayer 46P exposed.

After removing the exposed part of gate-electrode layer 46P, singlyionized arsenic is ion implanted through the exposed part of dielectriclayer 44P and into wafer 34P at an energy of 10 kiloelectron volts(“keV”) and a high dosage of 1×10¹⁵ ions/cm² to define heavily dopedn-type precursor 26EP to source extension 26E. See FIG. 10 b. Singlyionized boron difluoride is also ion implanted through the exposed partof dielectric layer 44P and into wafer 34P to define heavily dopedp-type precursor 40P to source-side halo pocket 40. The haloimplantation is done at an energy of 65 keV and a high dosage of 2×10¹³ions/cm².

Nitride region 84 is converted into silicon nitride region 86 thatlaterally abuts pad oxide 82 and covers the previously exposed part ofdielectric layer 44P. See FIG. 10 c. After removing pad oxide 82, theexposed part of gate-electrode layer 46P is removed to leave theremainder of layer 46P in the shape of gate electrode 46 as shown inFIG. 10 d. Another part of dielectric layer 44P is thereby exposed.Singly ionized arsenic is ion implanted through the newly exposed partof dielectric layer 44P and into wafer 34P to define heavily dopedn-type precursor 28EP to drain extension 28E. The drain-extensionimplant is done at the same energy, 10 keV, as the source extensionimplant, but at a considerably lower dosage, 5×10¹³ ions/cm². As aresult, the drain-extension and source-extension implants reach maximumconcentrations at essentially the same depth into wafer 34P. In latersteps (not shown), nitride 86 is removed, gate sidewall spacers 48 and50 are formed, arsenic is ion implanted to define n++ main S/D portions26M and 28M, and a rapid thermal anneal is performed to produce IGFET 80as shown in FIG. 9.

Choi's decoupling of the source-extension and drain-extension implantsand then forming source extension 26E at a considerably higher dopingthan drain extension 28E in order to alleviate the increasedsource-associated parasitic capacitance resulting from source-side halopocket 40 is clearly advantageous. However, Choi's coupling of theformation of gate electrode 46 with the formation of source/drainextensions 26E and 28E in the process of FIG. 10 is laborious and couldmake it difficult to incorporate Choi's process into a largersemiconductor process that provides other types of IGFETs. It would bedesirable to have a simpler technique for making such an asymmetricIGFET. In particular, it would be desirable to decouple thegate-electrode formation from the formation of differently dopedsource/drain extensions.

The term “mixed signal” refers to ICs containing both digital and analogcircuitry blocks. The digital circuitry typically employs the mostaggressively scaled n-channel and p-channel IGFETs for obtaining themaximum potential digital speed at given current leakage specifications.The analog circuitry utilizes IGFETs and/or bipolar transistorssubjected to different performance requirements than the digital IGFETs.Requirements for the analog IGFETs commonly include high linear voltagegain, good small-signal and large-signal frequency response at highfrequency, good parameter matching, low input noise, well controlledelectrical parameters for active and passive components, and reducedparasitics, especially reduced parasitic capacitances. Although it wouldbe economically attractive to utilize the same transistors for theanalog and digital blocks, doing so would typically lead to weakenedanalog performance. Many requirements imposed on analog IGFETperformance conflict with the results of digital scaling.

More particularly, the electrical parameters of analog IGFETs aresubjected to more rigorous specifications than the IGFETs in digitalblocks. In an analog IGFET used as an amplifier, the output resistanceof the IGFET needs to be maximized in order to maximize its intrinsicgain. The output resistance is also important in setting thehigh-frequency performance of an analog IGFET. In contrast, the outputresistance is considerably less importance in digital circuitry. Reducedvalues of output resistance in digital circuitry can be tolerated inexchange for higher current drive and consequent higher digitalswitching speed as long as the digital circuitry can distinguish itslogic states, e.g., logical “0” and logical “1”.

The shapes of the electrical signals passing through analog transistorsare critical to circuit performance and normally have to be maintainedas free of harmonic distortions and noise as reasonably possible.Harmonic distortions are caused primarily by non-linearity of transistorgain and transistor capacitances. Hence, linearity demands on analogtransistors are very high. The parasitic capacitances at pn junctionshave inherent voltage non-linearities that need to be alleviated inanalog blocks. Conversely, signal linearity is normally of secondaryimportance in digital circuitry.

The small-signal analog speed performance of IGFETs used in analogamplifiers is determined at the small-signal frequency limit andinvolves the small-signal gain and the parasitic capacitances along thepn junctions for the source and drain. The large-signal analog speedperformance of analog amplifier IGFETS is similarly determined at thelarge-signal frequency limit and involves the non-linearities of theIGFET characteristics.

The digital speed of logic gates is defined in terms of the large-signalswitching time of the transistor/load combination, thereby involving thedrive current and output capacitance. Hence, analog speed performance isdetermined differently than digital speed performance. Optimizations foranalog and digital speeds can be different, leading to differenttransistor parameter requirements.

Digital circuitry blocks predominantly use the smallest IGFETs that canbe fabricated. Because the resultant dimensional spreads are inherentlylarge, parameter matching in digital circuitry is often relatively poor.In contrast, good parameter matching is usually needed in analogcircuitry to achieve the requisite performance. This typically requiresthat analog transistors be fabricated at greater dimensions than digitalIGFETs subject to making analog IGFETS as short as possible in order tohave source-to-drain propagation delay as low as possible.

In view of the preceding considerations, it is desirable to have asemiconductor fabrication platform that provides IGFETs with good analogcharacteristics. The analog IGFETs should have high intrinsic gain, highoutput resistance, high small-signal switching speed with reducedparasitic capacitances, especially reduced parasitic capacitances alongthe source-body and drain-body junctions. It is also desirable that thefabrication platform be capable of providing high-performance digitalIGFETs.

GENERAL DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention furnishes a semiconductor fabrication platformthat provides IGFETs with high-performance characteristics for analogand digital applications, including mixed-signal applications. The coreof the present semiconductor fabrication platform is a semiconductorstructure having a combination of empty-well regions and filled-wellregions. An empty-well region is basically a semiconductor well in whichthere is a relatively small amount of semiconductor well dopant near thetop of the well. Essentially the opposite of an empty-well region, afilled-well region is basically a semiconductor well in which there is aconsiderable amount of semiconductor well dopant near the top of thewell.

Some desirable IGFET performance characteristics, e.g., thresholdvoltages of low magnitude, are more readily achieved with symmetricIGFETs when they utilize empty-well regions. The performancecharacteristics of asymmetric IGFETs are readily enhanced by usingempty-well regions. On the other hand, other desirable IGFET performancecharacteristics, e.g., low-off-state current leakage and thresholdvoltages of nominal magnitude, are more readily achieved with symmetricIGFETs when they employ filled-well regions.

The asymmetric IGFETs are suitable for analog applications and digitalsituations where the current flow is unidirectional. The symmetricIGFETs are generally suitable for digital applications and certainanalog situations. The combination of empty and filled wells enables thepresent semiconductor fabrication platform to furnish a wide variety ofdifferent high-performance IGFETs from which circuit designers canselect IGFETs for various analog and digital applications, includingmixed-signal applications.

More particularly, a semiconductor structure configured according to theinvention contains first and second well regions of body material of asemiconductor body having an upper surface. The body material is dopedwith semiconductor dopant, referred to here as the well dopant, of afirst conductivity type so as to be of the first conductivity type. Thefirst well region is doped in such a manner as to be an empty wellhaving a relatively small amount of the well dopant near the top of thewell. The second well region is doped so as to be a filled well having aconsiderable amount of the well dopant near the top of the well. Thedoping characteristics of the first and second well regions,respectively referred to here as the empty and filled wells, aredescribed further below.

First and second zones of a second conductivity type opposite to thefirst conductivity type are situated in the semiconductor body along theupper semiconductor surface. Each zone is typically a source/drain zoneof an IGFET. The empty well region meets the first zone so as to form apn junction with the first zone referred to hereafter, for convenience,as the empty-well-adjoining zone. The filled well region similarly meetsthe second zone so as to form a pn junction with the second zonereferred to hereafter, for convenience, as the filled-well-adjoiningzone. The empty and filled wells respectively extend below theempty-well-adjoining and filled-well-adjoining zones.

The well dopant is present in the empty-well-adjoining andfilled-well-adjoining zones. The concentration of the well dopantlocally reaches first and second subsurface maximum concentrations atrespective first and second subsurface maximum concentration locationssituated respectively in the empty-well and filled-well regions andrespectively extending laterally below the empty-well-adjoining andfilled-well-adjoining zones. The first subsurface maximum concentrationlocation, referred to hereafter as the empty-well maximum concentrationlocation, occurs no more than 10 times deeper below the uppersemiconductor surface than the maximum depth of the pn junction for theempty-well-adjoining zone. The second subsurface maximum concentrationlocation, referred to hereafter as the filled-well maximum concentrationlocation, similarly occurs no more than 10 times deeper below the uppersemiconductor surface than the maximum depth of the pn junction for thefilled-well-adjoining zone.

The concentration of the well dopant decreases (i) by at least a factorof 10, preferably by a factor of at least 20, in moving upward from theempty-well subsurface maximum concentration location along a selectedfirst vertical location through the empty-well-adjoining zone to theupper semiconductor surface and (ii) substantially monotonically,normally substantially inflectionlessly, by less than a factor of 10 inmoving from the empty-well subsurface maximum concentration locationalong the first vertical location to the pn junction for theempty-well-adjoining zone. These two dopant-distribution requirements incombination with the requirement that the empty-well maximumconcentration location occur no more than 10 times deeper below theupper semiconductor surface than the maximum depth of the pn junctionfor the empty-well-adjoining zone establish the first well region as anempty well.

The well dopant concentration reaches at least one additional subsurfacemaximum concentration in moving upward from the filled-well subsurfacemaximum concentration location along a selected second vertical locationthrough the filled-well-adjoining zone to the upper semiconductorsurface. The combination of this additional subsurface maximum dopantconcentration requirement and the requirement that the filled-wellmaximum concentration location occur no more than 10 times deeper belowthe upper semiconductor surface than the maximum depth of the pnjunction for the filled-well-adjoining zone establish the second wellregion as an empty well. Preferably, the well dopant concentrationdecreases by less than a factor of 10 in moving upward from theempty-well subsurface maximum concentration location along the secondvertical location through the filled-well-adjoining zone to the uppersemiconductor surface.

Fabrication of the present semiconductor structure in accordance withinvention entails (i) introducing the well dopant into a pair ofportions of the semiconductor body to respectively define the empty-welland filled-well well regions and (ii) introducing semiconductor dopantof the second conductivity type, i.e., the opposite conductivity type tothat of the well regions, into a pair of portions of the semiconductorbody to respectively define the empty-well-adjoining andfilled-well-adjoining zones. The introduction of the well dopantnormally involves separately introducing first and second semiconductordopants of the first conductivity type respectively into the empty-welland filled-well regions.

The first dopant of the first conductivity type normally includes afirst well semiconductor dopant of the first conductivity type. Thesecond dopant of the first conductivity type then includes a second wellsemiconductor dopant of the first conductivity type and at least oneadditional well semiconductor dopant of the first conductivity type. Thefirst well dopant into the empty-well region is preferably introducedthrough at least one opening in a first mask so that the first welldopant largely defines the empty-well subsurface maximum concentration.The second well dopant and each additional well dopant are thenintroduced into the filled-well region through at least one opening in asecond mask so that the second well dopant largely defines thefilled-well subsurface maximum concentration and each additional welldopant largely defines one additional subsurface maximum concentrationfor the filled well.

Each of the empty-well-adjoining and filled-well-adjoining zones is, asmentioned above, typically a source/drain (again “S/D”) zone of anIGFET. The empty-well-adjoining zone is then an S/D zone of a firstIGFET referred to here as an empty-well IGFET. The filled-well-adjoiningzone is similarly an S/D zone of a second IGFET referred to here as afilled-well IGFET. Each IGFET has another S/D zone.

In addition to a pair of S/D zones, each IGFET has a channel zone of aregion of the body material, a gate dielectric layer overlying thechannel zone, and a gate electrode overlying the gate dielectric layerabove the channel zone. The empty-well and filled-well IGFETs are of thesame polarity, i.e., either n channel or p channel, because theirrespective empty and filled wells are of the same conductivity type. Thepresent semiconductor structure may include multiple such empty-wellIGFETs or/and multiple such filled-well IGFETs.

The use of empty and filled wells enables the IGFETs to achieve a widevariety of features for meeting particular circuit applications. Forinstance, it may be necessary for the IGFETs to operate across two ormore different voltage ranges. In that case, the IGFETs normally satisfyat least two of the following gate dielectric layer requirements inaccordance with invention:

-   -   a. The gate dielectric layer of one such empty-well IGFET is of        materially greater thickness than the gate dielectric layer of        one such filled-well IGFET;    -   b. The gate dielectric layers of one such empty-well IGFET and        one such filled-well IGFET are of approximately the same        thickness;    -   c. The gate dielectric layer of one such filled-well IGFET is of        materially greater thickness than the gate dielectric layer of        one such empty-well IGFET;    -   d. The gate dielectric layer of one such empty-well IGFET is of        materially different thickness than the gate dielectric layer of        another such empty-well IGFET; and    -   e. The gate dielectric layer of one such filled-well IGFET is of        materially different thickness than the gate dielectric layer of        another such filled-well IGFET.        An IGFET of greater gate dielectric layer thickness than another        IGFET normally operates across a greater voltage range than the        other IGFET.

The IGFETs typically have threshold voltages of various magnitudes. Inparticular, there are normally multiple instances in which oneempty-well IGFET has a threshold voltage of materially lesser magnitudethan one filled-well IGFET. The gate dielectric layers of the IGFETs inthese instances of different threshold voltages then selectively satisfyat least two of the following gate dielectric layer requirements inaccordance with invention:

-   -   a. The gate dielectric layers of one such empty-well IGFET and        one such filled-well IGFET are of approximately the same        thickness;    -   b. The gate dielectric layer of one such empty-well IGFET is of        materially greater thickness than the gate dielectric layer of        one such filled-well IGFET; and    -   c. The gate dielectric layer of one such filled-well IGFET is of        materially greater thickness than the gate dielectric layer of        that one such empty-well IGFET.        Subject to the difference in threshold voltages, an IGFET of        greater gate dielectric layer thickness than another IGFET again        normally operates across a greater voltage range than the other        IGFET.

There are typically multiple instances in which each S/D zone of anIGFET comprises a main S/D portion and a more lightly doped lateral S/Dextension laterally continuous with the main S/D portion and extendinglaterally under the gate electrode of that IGFET. The channel zone isterminated by the S/D extensions along the upper semiconductor surface.The S/D extensions normally selectively satisfy at least two of thefollowing S/D extension requirements in accordance with invention:

-   -   a. One of the S/D extensions of one such empty-well IGFET        extends deeper below the body's upper surface than the other of        the S/D extensions of that empty-well IGFET;    -   b. Each S/D extension of one such empty-well IGFET extends        materially deeper below the body's upper surface than each S/D        extension of one such filled-well IGFET; and    -   c. Each S/D extension of one such filled-well IGFET extends        materially deeper below the body's upper surface than each S/D        extension of another such filled-well IGFET.        Usage of lateral S/D extensions, especially for the S/D zone        acting as the drain of an IGFET, generally reduces hot carrier        injection into the IGFET's gate dielectric layer. This reduces        undesired threshold-voltage drift with operational time.

Increasing the depth of an S/D extension generally causes hot carrierinjection in the gate dielectric layer to be reduced further.Threshold-voltage drift is thereby reduced further. Taking note thatother phenomena can detrimentally affect IGFET performance, the presentsemiconductor fabrication platform enables circuit designers to chooseIGFETs with deeper S/D extensions where hot carrier injection into thegate dielectric layers is of major concern and to choose IGFETs withshallower S/D extensions where other phenomena are of more concern thanfurther reduction of hot carrier injection into the gate dielectriclayers.

Similarly, there are typically multiple instances in which a pocketportion of the body-material region of an IGFET extends along one of itsS/D zones into its channel zone and is more heavily doped than laterallyadjacent material of that body-material region. The pocket portions ofthe IGFETs in those instances normally selectively satisfy at least twoof the following pocket portion requirements in accordance withinvention:

-   -   a. The pocket portion of one such empty-well IGFET causes its        channel zone to be asymmetric with respect to its S/D zones;    -   b. Another pocket portion of the body-material region of one        such empty-well IGFET extends along its other S/D zone into its        channel zone and is more heavily doped than laterally adjacent        material of that body-material region; and    -   c. Another pocket portion of the body-material region of one        such filled-well IGFET extends along its other S/D zone into its        channel zone and is more heavily doped than laterally adjacent        material of that body-material region.        The presence of pocket portions, especially for the S/D zone        acting as the source of an IGFET, helps to avoid bulk        punchthrough and consequent inability to control the IGFET        through its gate electrode.

A pocket portion is, however, generally not helpful at the drain of anIGFET whose current flow is unidirectional and can undesirably reducethe IGFET's transconductance. The semiconductor fabrication platform ofthe invention enables circuit designers to choose IGFETs, typicallysymmetric IGFETs, with pocket portions for reducing the possibility ofbulk punchthrough in situations where high transconductance is notrequired and to choose asymmetric IGFETs with only single pocketportions in situations, typically analog situations, where current flowis unidirectional and high transconductance is needed.

Similar to how the foregoing semiconductor structure configuredaccording to the invention contains like-polarity IGFETs of both theempty-well and filled-well types, a semiconductor structure configuredaccording to the invention contains complementary IGFETs of both theempty-well and filled-well types. In the complementary-IGFET (again“CIGFET”) structure, a pair of opposite-polarity first and second IGFETsare provided along an upper surface of a semiconductor body. Each IGFETincludes a channel zone of body material of the semiconductor body,first and second S/D zones situated in the semiconductor body along theupper semiconductor surface, a gate dielectric layer overlying thechannel zone, and a gate electrode overlying the gate dielectric layerabove the channel zone. The S/D zones of each IGFET are laterallyseparated by its channel zone. The body material of each IGFET extendslaterally below both of its S/D zones.

The body material of the first IGFET is constituted with first bodymaterial doped with semiconductor dopant of the first conductivity typeso as to be of the first conductivity type. The S/D zones of the firstIGFET are thus of the second conductivity type. In a complementarymanner, the body material of the second IGFET is constituted with secondbody material doped with semiconductor dopant of the second conductivitytype so as to be of the second conductivity type. Consequently, the S/Dzones of the second IGFET are of the first conductivity type.

The dopant of the first conductivity type is also present in the S/Dzones of the first IGFET. The concentration of the dopant of the firstconductivity type (a) locally reaches a subsurface maximum concentrationat a first subsurface body-material location extending laterally belowlargely all of each of the channel and S/D zones of the first IGFET, (b)decreases by at least a factor of 10 in moving upward from the firstsubsurface body-material location along a selected first verticallocation through a specified one of the S/D zones of the first IGFET tothe upper semiconductor surface, and (c) decreases substantiallymonotonically and substantially inflectionlessly in moving from thefirst subsurface body-material location along the selected firstvertical location to the pn junction for the specified S/D zone of thefirst IGFET. The first subsurface body-material location occurs no morethan 10 times deeper below the upper semiconductor surface than themaximum depth of the pn junction for the specified S/D zone of the firstIGFET. Due to these doping requirements, the first IGFET is anempty-well IGFET.

The dopant of the second conductivity type is similarly also present inthe S/D zones of the second IGFET. The concentration of the dopant ofthe second conductivity type (a) locally reaches a subsurface maximumconcentration at a second subsurface body-material location extendinglaterally below largely all of each of the channel and S/D zones of thesecond IGFET and (b) decreases by less than a factor of 10 in movingupward from the second subsurface body-material location along anyvertical location through each S/D zone of the second IGFET to the uppersemiconductor surface. The second subsurface body-material locationoccurs no more than 10 times deeper below the body's upper surface thanthe maximum depth of the pn junction for each S/D zone of the secondIGFET. Since the concentration of the dopant of the second conductivitytype decreases by less than a factor of 10 in moving upward from thesecond subsurface body-material location along any vertical locationthrough each S/D zone of the second IGFET to the upper semiconductorsurface, the second IGFET is a filled-well IGFET.

The semiconductor fabrication platform of the invention enables circuitdesigners to select various different characteristics for thecomplementary empty-well and filled-well IGFETs similar to how this isdone with the like-polarity empty-well and filled-well IGFETs. Forinstance, the gate dielectric layer of the empty-well IGFET in theCIGFET structure can be chosen to be of approximately the samethickness, or of materially different thickness, than the gatedielectric layer of the filled-well IGFET. Each S/D zone of each IGFETmay have a main S/D portion and a more lightly doped lateral S/Dextension laterally continuous with the main S/D portion and extendinglaterally under the IGFET's gate electrode.

A pocket portion of the first body material more heavily doped thanlaterally adjacent material of the first body material may extend alongone S/D zone of the empty-well IGFET into its channel zone. The pocketportion of the first body material typically causes the channel zone ofthe empty-well IGFET to be asymmetric with respect to its S/D zones. Ifthe empty-well IGFET also has lateral S/D extensions, the S/D extensionof its other S/D zone may extends deeper below the upper semiconductorsurface than the S/D extension of the S/D zone having the pocket portionof the first body material.

A pocket portion of the second body material more heavily doped thanlaterally adjacent material of the second body material extends alongone S/D zone of the filled-well IGFET into its channel zone. Anotherpocket portion of the second body material more heavily doped thanlaterally adjacent material of the second body material may similarlyextend along the other S/D zone of the filled-well IGFET into itschannel zone.

In short, the present semiconductor fabrication platform utilizesempty-well regions and filled-well regions to provide circuit designerswith a wide variety of IGFETs from which to choose for specific circuitapplications. High-performance asymmetric IGFETs and high-performancesymmetric IGFETs with threshold voltages of low magnitude are achievedwith empty-well regions. High-performance symmetric IGFETs withlow-off-state current leakage or threshold voltages of nominal magnitudeare achieved with filled-well regions. The invention therefore providesa large advance over the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front cross-sectional view of a prior art symmetric longn-channel IGFET that uses a filled well.

FIG. 2 is a graph of net dopant concentration along the uppersemiconductor surface as a function of longitudinal distance from thechannel center for the IGFET of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b are graphs of total dopant concentration as a functionof depth along imaginary vertical lines through the source/drain zonesat two respective different well-doping conditions for the IGFETs ofFIGS. 1, 7 a, and 7 b.

FIG. 4 is a front cross-sectional view of a prior art symmetric longn-channel IGFET that uses a retrograde empty well.

FIGS. 5 and 6 respectively are qualitative and quantitative graphs oftotal dopant concentration as a function of depth along an imaginaryvertical line through the longitudinal center of the IGFET of FIG. 4.

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b are front cross-sectional views of respective priorart asymmetric long and short n-channel IGFETs.

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b are graphs of net dopant concentration along the uppersemiconductor surface as a function of longitudinal distance from thechannel center for the respective IGFETs of FIGS. 7 a and 7 b.

FIG. 9 is a front cross-sectional view of a prior art asymmetric longn-channel IGFET.

FIGS. 10 a-10 d are front cross-sectional views representing steps inmanufacturing the IGFET of FIG. 9.

FIGS. 11.1-11.9 are respective front cross-sectional views of nineportions of a CIGFET semiconductor structure configured according to theinvention.

FIG. 12 is an expanded front cross-sectional view of the core of theasymmetric n-channel IGFET of FIG. 11.1.

FIGS. 13 a-13 c are respective graphs of individual, total, and netdopant concentrations as a function of longitudinal distance along theupper semiconductor surface for the asymmetric n-channel IGFET of FIG.12.

FIGS. 14 a-14 c are respective graphs of individual, total, and netdopant concentrations as a function of depth along an imaginary verticalline through the main source portion of the asymmetric n-channel IGFETof FIG. 12.

FIGS. 15 a-15 c are respective graphs of individual, total, and netdopant concentrations as a function of depth along an imaginary verticalline through the source extension of the asymmetric n-channel IGFET ofFIG. 12.

FIGS. 16 a-16 c are respective graphs of individual, total, and netdopant concentrations as a function of depth along an imaginary verticalline through the channel zone of the asymmetric n-channel IGFET of FIG.12.

FIGS. 17 a-17 c are respective graphs of individual, total, and netdopant concentrations as a function of depth along an imaginary verticalline through the drain extension of the asymmetric n-channel IGFET ofFIG. 12.

FIGS. 18 a-18 c are respective graphs of individual, total, and netdopant concentrations as a function of depth along an imaginary verticalline through the main drain portion of the asymmetric n-channel IGFET ofFIG. 12.

FIGS. 19 a and 19 b are respective expanded front cross-sectional viewsof parts of variations of the cores of the asymmetric n-channel andp-channel IGFETs of FIG. 11.1.

FIGS. 20 a-20 c are respective graphs of individual, total, and netdopant concentrations as a function of depth along an imaginary verticalline through the halo pocket portion of the asymmetric n-channel IGFETof FIG. 19 a.

FIGS. 21 a-21 c are respective graphs of individual, total, and netdopant concentrations as a function of depth along an imaginary verticalline through the source extension of the asymmetric n-channel IGFET ofFIG. 19 a.

FIGS. 22 a and 22 b are respective expanded front cross-sectional viewsof the cores of the extended-drain n-channel and p-channel IGFETs ofFIG. 11.2.

FIGS. 23 a-23 c are respective graphs of individual, total, and netdopant concentrations as a function of depth along a pair of imaginaryvertical lines respectively through the main well regions of theextended-drain n-channel IGFET of FIG. 22 a.

FIGS. 24 a-24 c are respective graphs of individual, total, and netdopant concentrations as a function of depth along a pair of imaginaryvertical lines respectively through the main well regions of theextended-drain n-channel IGFET of FIG. 22 b.

FIGS. 25 a and 25 b are graphs of breakdown voltage as a function ofwell-to-well spacing for respective fabricated implementations of theextended-drain n-channel and p-channel IGFETs of FIGS. 22 a and 22 b.

FIGS. 26 a and 26 b are graphs of lineal drain current as a function ofdrain-to-source voltage at multiple values of gate-to-source voltage forrespective fabricated implementations of the extended-drain n-channeland p-channel IGFETs of FIGS. 22 a and 22 b.

FIG. 27 is a graph of lineal drain current as a function ofdrain-to-source voltage for an implementation of the extended-drainn-channel IGFET of FIG. 22 a at a selected well-to-well spacing and foran extension of the IGFET of FIG. 22 a to zero well-to-well spacing.

FIGS. 28 a and 28 b are cross-sectional views of respective computersimulations of the extended-drain n-channel IGFET of FIG. 22 a and areference extended-drain n-channel IGFET.

FIG. 29 is an expanded front cross-sectional view of the core of thesymmetric low-leakage n-channel IGFET of FIG. 11.3.

FIGS. 30 a-30 c are respective graphs of individual, total, and netdopant concentrations as a function of longitudinal distance along theupper semiconductor surface for the symmetric low-leakage n-channelIGFET of FIG. 29.

FIGS. 31 a-31 c are respective graphs of individual, total, and netdopant concentrations as a function of depth along an imaginary verticalline through the main portion of either source/drain zone of thesymmetric low-leakage n-channel IGFET of FIG. 29.

FIGS. 32 a-32 c are respective graphs of individual, total, and netdopant concentrations as a function of depth along an imaginary verticalline through the channel zone of the symmetric low-leakage n-channelIGFET of FIG. 29.

FIGS. 33 a-33 c, 33 d.1-33 y.1, 33 d.2-33 y.2, 33 d.3-33 y.3, 33 d.4-33y.4, and 33 d.5-33 y.5 are front cross-sectional views representingsteps in manufacturing the five portions illustrated in FIGS. 11.1-11.5of the CIGFET semiconductor structure of FIGS. 11.1-11.9 in accordancewith the invention. The steps of FIGS. 33 a-33 c apply to the structuralportions illustrated in all of FIGS. 11.1-11.5. FIGS. 33 d.1-33 y.1present further steps leading to the structural portion of FIG. 11.1.FIGS. 33 d.2-33 y.2 present further steps leading to the structuralportion of FIG. 11.2. FIGS. 33 d.3-33 y.3 present further steps leadingto the structural portion of FIG. 11.3. FIGS. 33 d.4-33 y.4 presentfurther steps leading to the structural portion of FIG. 11.4. FIGS. 33d.5-33 y.5 present further steps leading to the structural portion ofFIG. 11.5.

FIGS. 34.1-34.3 are front cross-sectional views of three portions ofvariations, configured according to the invention, of the portions ofthe CIGFET semiconductor structure respectively shown in FIGS.11.1-11.3.

FIGS. 35 a-35 c are respective graphs of individual, total, and netdopant concentrations as a function of depth along an imaginary verticalline through the main and lower source portions of the asymmetricn-channel IGFET of FIG. 34.1.

FIGS. 36 a-36 c are respective graphs of individual, total, and netdopant concentrations as a function of depth along an imaginary verticalline through the main and lower drain portions of the asymmetricn-channel IGFET of FIG. 34.1.

FIGS. 37 a-37 c are respective graphs of individual, total, and netdopant concentrations as a function of depth along an imaginary verticalline through the main and lower portions of either source/drain zone ofthe symmetric low-leakage n-channel IGFET of FIG. 34.3.

FIG. 38 is a front cross-sectional view of an n-channel portion ofanother CIGFET semiconductor structure configured according to theinvention.

FIGS. 39 a-39 c are respective graphs of individual, total, and netdopant concentrations as a function of depth along an imaginary verticalline through the main source portion of the asymmetric n-channel IGFETof FIG. 38.

FIGS. 40 a-40 c are respective graphs of individual, total, and netdopant concentrations as a function of depth along an imaginary verticalline through the source extension of the asymmetric n-channel IGFET ofFIG. 38.

FIGS. 41 a-41 f are front cross-sectional views representing steps inmanufacturing the CIGFET structure of FIG. 38 in accordance with theinvention starting essentially from the stage of FIGS. 33 l.1-33 l.5.

FIGS. 42 a-42 c are respective graphs of individual, total, and netdopant concentrations as a function of depth along an imaginary verticalline through the main source portion of a variation of the asymmetricn-channel IGFET of FIG. 12.

FIGS. 43 a-43 c are respective graphs of individual, total, and netdopant concentrations as a function of depth along an imaginary verticalline through the channel zone of the preceding variation of theasymmetric n-channel IGFET of FIG. 12.

FIGS. 44 a-44 c are respective graphs of individual, total, and netdopant concentrations as a function of depth along an imaginary verticalline through the main drain portion of the preceding variation of theasymmetric n-channel IGFET of FIG. 12.

FIG. 45 is a graph, in accordance with the invention, of nitrogenconcentration in the gate dielectric layer of a p-channel IGFET, such asthat of FIG. 11.3, 11.4, or 11.6, as a function of normalized depth fromthe upper surface of the gate dielectric layer.

FIGS. 46 a-46 g are front cross-sectional views representing steps inproducing nitrided gate dielectric layers for the symmetric p-channelIGFETs of FIGS. 11.4 and 11.5 in accordance with the invention startingwith the structure existent immediately after the stage of FIGS. 33 i.4and 33 i.5.

Like reference symbols are employed in the drawings and in thedescription of the preferred embodiment to represent the same, or verysimilar, item or items. The numerical portions of reference symbolshaving single prime (′), double prime (″), asterisk (*), and pound (#)signs in drawings containing dopant-distribution graphs respectivelyindicate like-numbered regions or locations in other drawings. In thisregard, curves identified by the same reference symbols in differentdopant-distribution graphs have the same meanings.

In the dopant-distribution graphs, “individual” dopant concentrationsmean the individual concentrations of each separately introduced n-typedopant and each separately introduced p-type dopant while “total” dopantconcentrations mean the total (or absolute) n-type dopant concentrationand the total (or absolute) p-type dopant concentration. The “net”dopant concentration in the dopant-distribution graphs is the differencebetween the total n-type dopant concentration and the total p-typedopant concentration. The net dopant concentration is indicated as net“n-type” when the total n-type dopant concentration exceeds the totalp-type dopant concentration, and as net “p-type” when the total p-typedopant concentration exceeds the total n-type dopant concentration.

The thicknesses of dielectric layers, especially gate dielectric layers,are much less than the dimensions of many other IGFET elements andregions. To clearly indicate dielectric layers, their thicknesses aregenerally exaggerated in the cross-sectional views of IGFETs.

In instances where the conductivity type of a semiconductor region isdetermined by semiconductor dopant introduced into the region at asingle set of dopant-introduction conditions, i.e., in essentially asingle doping operation, and in which the concentration of the dopantvaries from one general doping level, e.g., moderate indicated by “p” or“n”, to another general dopant level, e.g., light indicated by “p−” or“n−”, across the region, the portions of the region at the two dopinglevels are generally indicated by a dotted line. Dot-and-dash lines incross-sectional views of IGFETs represent locations for dopantdistributions in the vertical dopant-distribution graphs. Maximum dopantconcentrations in cross-sectional views of IGFETs are indicated by dash-and double-dot lines containing the abbreviation “MAX”.

The gate electrodes of the symmetric IGFETs shown in FIGS. 11.3-11.9are, for convenience, all illustrated as being of the same length eventhough, as indicated by the channel-length values given below, theIGFETs of FIGS. 11.4, 11.5, and 11.7-11.9 are typically of considerablygreater channel length than the IGFETs of FIGS. 11.3 and 11.6.

The letter “P” at the end of a reference symbol in a drawingrepresenting a step in a fabrication process indicates a precursor to aregion which is shown in a drawing representing a later stage, includingthe end, of the fabrication process and which is identified in thatlater-stage drawing by the portion of the reference symbol preceding“P”.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS List of Contents

A. Reference Notation and Other Preliminary Information

B. Complementary-IGFET Structures Suitable for Mixed-signal Applications

C. Well Architecture and Doping Characteristics

D. Asymmetric High-voltage IGFETs

-   -   D1. Structure of Asymmetric High-voltage N-channel IGFET    -   D2. Source/Drain Extensions of Asymmetric High-voltage N-channel        IGFET    -   D3. Different Dopants in Source/Drain Extensions of Asymmetric        High-voltage N-channel IGFET    -   D4. Dopant Distributions in Asymmetric High-voltage N-channel        IGFET    -   D5. Structure of Asymmetric High-voltage P-channel IGFET    -   D6. Source/Drain Extensions of Asymmetric High-voltage P-channel        IGFET    -   D7. Different Dopants in Source/Drain Extensions of Asymmetric        High-voltage P-channel IGFET    -   D8. Dopant Distributions in Asymmetric High-voltage P-channel        IGFET    -   D9. Common Properties of Asymmetric High-voltage IGFETs    -   D10. Performance Advantages of Asymmetric High-voltage IGFETs    -   D11. Asymmetric High-voltage IGFETs with Specially Tailored Halo        Pocket Portions

E. Extended-drain IGFETs

-   -   E1. Structure of Extended-drain N-channel IGFET    -   E2. Dopant Distributions in Extended-drain N-channel IGFET    -   E3. Operational Physics of Extended-drain N-channel IGFET    -   E4. Structure of Extended-drain P-channel IGFET    -   E5. Dopant Distributions in Extended-drain P-channel IGFET    -   E6. Operational Physics of Extended-drain P-channel IGFET    -   E7. Common Properties of Extended-drain IGFETs    -   E8. Performance Advantages of Extended-drain IGFETs    -   E9. Extended-drain IGFETs with Specially Tailored Halo Pocket        Portions

F. Symmetric Low-voltage Low-leakage IGFETs

-   -   F1. Structure of Symmetric Low-voltage Low-leakage N-channel        IGFET    -   F2. Dopant Distributions in Symmetric Low-voltage Low-leakage        N-channel IGFET    -   F3. Symmetric Low-voltage Low-leakage P-channel IGFET

G. Symmetric Low-voltage Low-threshold-voltage IGFETs

H. Symmetric High-voltage IGFETs of Nominal Threshold-voltage Magnitude

I. Symmetric Low-voltage IGFETs of Nominal Threshold-voltage Magnitude

J. Symmetric High-voltage Low-threshold-voltage IGFETs

K. Symmetric Native Low-voltage N-channel IGFETs

L. Symmetric Native High-voltage N-channel IGFETs

M. Information Generally Applicable to All of Present IGFETs

N. Fabrication of Complementary-IGFET Structure Suitable forMixed-signal Applications

-   -   N1. General Fabrication Information    -   N2. Well Formation    -   N3. Gate Formation    -   N4. Formation of Source/Drain Extensions and Halo Pocket        Portions    -   N5. Formation of Gate Sidewall Spacers and Main Portions of        Source/Drain Zones    -   N6. Final Processing    -   N7. Significantly Tilted Implantation of P-type Deep        Source/Drain-extension Dopant    -   N8. Implantation of Different Dopants in Source/Drain Extensions        of Asymmetric IGFETs    -   N9. Formation of Asymmetric IGFETs with Specially Tailored Halo        Pocket Portions

O. Vertically Graded Source-body and Drain-body Junctions

P. Asymmetric IGFETs with Doubly Implanted Source Extensions

-   -   P1. Structure of Asymmetric N-channel IGFET with Multiply        Implanted Source Extension    -   P2. Fabrication of Asymmetric N-channel IGFET with Multiply        Implanted Source Extension

Q. Hypoabrupt Vertical Dopant Profiles below Source-body and Drain-bodyJunctions

R. Nitrided Gate Dielectric Layers

-   -   R1. Vertical Nitrogen Concentration Profile in Nitrided Gate        Dielectric Layer    -   R2. Fabrication of Nitrided Gate Dielectric Layers

S. Variations

A. Reference Notation and Other Preliminary Information

The reference symbols employed below and in the drawings have thefollowing meanings where the adjective “lineal” means per unit IGFETwidth:

-   I_(D)≡drain current-   I_(Dw)≡lineal drain current-   K_(S)≡relative permittivity of semiconductor material-   k≡Boltzmann's constant-   L≡channel length along upper semiconductor surface-   L_(DR)≡drawn value of channel length as given by drawn value of gate    length-   L_(K)≡spacing length constant for extended-drain IGFET-   L_(WW)≡well-to-well separation distance for extended-drain IGFET-   L_(WW0)≡offset spacing length for extended-drain IGFET-   N_(C)≡average net dopant concentration in channel zone-   N_(I)≡individual dopant concentration-   N_(N)≡net dopant concentration-   N_(N2)≡nitrogen concentration-   N_(N2low)≡low value of nitrogen concentration in gate dielectric    layer-   N_(N2max)≡maximum value of nitrogen concentration n gate dielectric    layer-   N_(N2top)≡nitrogen concentration along upper gate dielectric surface-   N_(T)≡total, or absolute, dopant concentration-   N′≡dosage of ions received by ion-implanted material-   N′_(max)≡maximum dosage of ions received by ion-implanted material    in approximate one-quadrant implantation-   N′₁≡minimum dosage of ions received by ion-implanted material in    one-quadrant implantation-   n_(i)≡intrinsic carrier concentration-   q≡electronic charge-   R_(DE)≡range of semiconductor dopant ion implanted to define drain    extension-   R_(SE)≡range of semiconductor dopant ion implanted to define source    extension-   R_(SHj)≡range of jth semiconductor dopant ion implanted to define    jth source halo local concentration maximum in source-side halo    pocket portion-   T≡absolute temperature-   t_(dmax)≡maximum thickness of surface depletion region-   t_(Gd)≡gate dielectric thickness-   t_(GdH)≡high value of gate dielectric thickness-   t_(GdL)≡low value of gate dielectric thickness-   t_(Sd)≡average thickness of surface dielectric layer-   V_(BD)≡drain-to-source breakdown voltage

V_(BDmax)≡maximum value of drain-to-source breakdown voltage

V_(BDmin)≡actual minimum value of drain-to-source breakdown voltage

-   V_(BD0)≡theoretical minimum value of drain-to-source breakdown    voltage-   V_(DS)≡drain-to-source voltage-   V_(GS)≡gate-to-source voltage-   V_(T)≡threshold voltage-   X≡longitudinal distance-   x_(DEOL)≡amount by which gate electrode overlaps drain extension-   x_(SEOL)≡amount by which gate electrode overlaps source extension-   y≡depth or vertical distance-   y_(D)≡maximum depth of drain-   y_(DE)≡maximum depth of drain extension-   y_(DEPK)≡average depth at location, in lateral drain extension, of    maximum (peak) concentration of semiconductor dopant of same    conductivity type as lateral drain extension-   y_(DL)≡maximum depth of lower drain portion-   y_(DM)≡maximum depth of main drain portion-   y_(DNWPK)≡average depth at location of maximum (peak) concentration    of deep n well semiconductor dopant-   y_(FI)≡thickness (or depth) of recessed field-insulation region-   y_(II)≡depth of situs of maximum impact ionization-   y_(NW)≡depth at bottom of n-type empty main well-   y_(NWPK)≡average depth at location of maximum (peak) concentration    of n-type empty main well semiconductor dopant-   y_(PW)≡depth at bottom of p-type empty main well-   y_(PWPK)≡average depth at location of maximum (peak) concentration    of p-type empty main well semiconductor dopant-   y_(S)≡maximum depth of source-   y_(SD)≡maximum depth of source/drain zone-   y_(SE)≡maximum depth of source extension-   y_(SEPK)≡average depth at location, in lateral source extension, of    maximum (peak) concentration of semiconductor dopant of same    conductivity type as lateral source extension-   y_(SEPKD)≡average depth at location, in lateral source extension, of    maximum (peak) concentration of deep source/drain-extension    semiconductor dopant-   y_(SEPKS)≡average depth at location, in lateral source extension, of    maximum (peak) concentration of shallow source/drain-extension    semiconductor dopant-   y_(SH)≡maximum depth of source-side halo pocket portion-   y_(SHj)≡depth of jth source halo local concentration maximum in    source-side halo pocket portion-   y_(SL)≡maximum depth of lower source portion-   y_(SM)≡maximum depth of main source portion-   y′≡depth below upper gate dielectric surface-   y′_(N2low)≡value of average depth below upper gate dielectric    surface at low value of nitrogen concentration in gate dielectric    layer-   y′_(N2max)≡value of average depth below upper gate dielectric    surface at maximum value of nitrogen concentration in gate    dielectric layer-   y″≡height above lower gate dielectric surface-   α≡general tilt angle from vertical for ion implanting semiconductor    dopant-   α_(DE)≡tilt angle from vertical for ion implanting drain extension-   α_(SE)≡tilt angle from vertical for ion implanting source extension-   α_(SH)≡tilt angle from vertical for ion implanting source-side halo    pocket portion-   α_(SHj)≡jth value of tilt angle α_(SH) or tilt angle from vertical    for ion implanting jth numbered source-side halo pocket dopant-   β≡azimuthal angle relative to one principal lateral direction of    semiconductor body-   β₀≡base value of azimuthal angle increased in three 90° increments-   ΔR_(SHj)≡straggle in range of jth semiconductor dopant ion implanted    to define jth source halo local concentration maximum in source-side    halo pocket portion-   Δy_(DE)≡average thickness of monosilicon removed along top of    precursor drain extension prior to ion implantation of semiconductor    dopant that defines drain extension-   Δy_(SE)≡average thickness of monosilicon removed along top of    precursor source extension prior to ion implantation of    semiconductor dopant that defines source extension-   Δy_(SH)≡average thickness of monosilicon removed along top of    precursor source-side halo pocket portion prior to ion implantation    of semiconductor dopant that defines source-side halo pocket portion-   ∈₀≡permittivity of free space (vacuum)-   φ_(F)≡Fermi potential-   φ_(T)≡inversion potential

As used below, the term “surface-adjoining” means adjoining (orextending to) the upper semiconductor surface, i.e., the upper surfaceof a semiconductor body consisting of monocrystalline, or largelymonocrystalline, semiconductor material. All references to depths intodoped monocrystalline semiconductor material mean depths below the uppersemiconductor surface except as otherwise indicated. Similarly, allreferences to one item extending deeper into monocrystallinesemiconductor material than another item mean deeper in relation to theupper semiconductor surface except as otherwise indicated. Each depth oraverage depth of a location in a doped monocrystalline semiconductorregion of an IGFET is, except as otherwise indicated, measured from aplane extending generally through the bottom of the IGFET's gatedielectric layer.

The boundary between two contiguous (or continuous) semiconductorregions of the same conductivity type is somewhat imprecise. Dashedlines are generally used in the drawings to indicate such boundaries.For quantitative purposes, the boundary between a semiconductorsubstrate region at the background dopant concentration and an adjoiningsemiconductor region formed by a doping operation to be of the sameconductivity type as the substrate region is considered to be thelocation where the total dopant concentration is twice the backgrounddopant concentration. The boundary between two contiguous semiconductorregions formed by doping operations to be of the same conductivity typeis similarly considered to be the location where the totalconcentrations of the dopants used to form the two regions are equal.

Except as otherwise indicated, each reference to a semiconductor dopantor impurity means a p-type semiconductor dopant (formed with acceptoratoms) or an n-type semiconductor dopant (formed with donor atoms). The“atomic species” of a semiconductor dopant means the element which formsthe dopant. In some case, a semiconductor dopant may consist of two ormore different atomic species.

In regard to ion implantation of semiconductor dopant, the“dopant-containing particle species” means the particle (atom ormolecule) which contains the dopant to be implanted and which isdirected by the ion implantation equipment toward the implantation site.For example, elemental boron or boron difluoride can serve as thedopant-containing particle species for ion implanting the p-type dopantboron. The “particle ionization charge state” means the charge state,i.e., singly ionized, doubly ionized, and so on, of thedopant-containing particle species during the ion implantation.

The channel length L of an IGFET is the minimum distance between theIGFET's source/drain zones along the upper semiconductor surface. Thedrawn channel length L_(DR) of an IGFET here is the drawn value of theIGFET's gate length. Inasmuch as the IGFET's source/drain zonesinvariably extend below the IGFET's gate electrode, the IGFET's channellength L is less than the IGFET's drawn channel L_(DR).

An IGFET is characterized by two orthogonal lateral (horizontal)directions, i.e., two directions extending perpendicular to each otherin a plane extending generally parallel to the upper (or lower)semiconductor surface. These two lateral directions are referred to hereas the longitudinal and transverse directions. The longitudinaldirection is the direction of the length of the IGFET, i.e., thedirection from either of its S/D zones to the other of its S/D zones.The transverse direction is the direction of the IGFET's width.

The semiconductor body containing the IGFETs has two principalorthogonal lateral (horizontal) directions, i.e., two directionsextending perpendicular to each other in a plane extending generallyparallel to the upper (or lower) semiconductor surface. The IGFETs in animplementation of any of the present CIGFET structures are normally laidout on the semiconductor body so that the longitudinal direction of eachIGFET extends in one of the semiconductor body's principal lateraldirections. For instance, the longitudinal directions of some of theIGFETs can extend in one of the semiconductor body's principal lateraldirections while the longitudinal directions of the other IGFETs extendin the other of the semiconductor body's principal lateral directions.

An IGFET is described below as symmetric when it is configured inlargely a mirror-image manner along both of its source/drain zones andinto the intervening channel zone. For instance, an IGFET having aseparate halo pocket portion along each source/drain zone is typicallydescribed here as symmetric provided that the source/drain zones are,except possibly for their lengths, largely mirror images of each other.However, due to factors such as partial shadowing during ionimplantation into the location of one of the halo pockets, the dopantprofiles in the halo pockets along the upper semiconductor surface maynot largely be mirror images. In such cases, there is typically someasymmetry in the IGFET's actual structure even though the IGFET isdescribed as a symmetric device.

An IGFET, whether symmetric or asymmetric, has two biased states (orconditions) referred to as the “biased-on” and “biased-off” states inwhich a driving potential (voltage) is present between the S/D zoneacting as the source and the S/D zone acting as the drain. Forsimplicity in explaining the two biased states, the source-acting anddrain-acting S/D zones are respectively referred to here as the sourceand drain. In the biased-on state, the IGFET is conductive with voltageV_(GS) between the IGFET's gate electrode and source at such a valuethat charge carriers flow freely from the source through the channel tothe drain under the influence of the driving voltage. The chargecarriers are electrons when the IGFET is of n-channel type and holeswhen the IGFET is of p-channel type.

The IGFET is non-conductive in the biased-off with gate-to-sourcevoltage V_(GS) at such a value that charge carriers do not significantlyflow from the source through the channel to the drain despite thepresence of the driving potential between the source and the drain aslong as the magnitude (absolute value) of the driving potential is nothigh enough to cause IGFET breakdown. The charge carriers again areelectrons for an n-channel IGFET and holes for a p-channel IGFET. In thebiased-off state, the source and drain are thus biased so that thecharge carriers would flow freely from the source through the channel tothe drain if gate-to-source voltage V_(GS) were at such a value as toplace the IGFET in the biased-on state.

More specifically, an n-channel IGFET is in the biased-on state when (a)its drain is at a suitable positive potential relative to its source and(b) its gate-to-source voltage V_(GS) equals or exceeds its thresholdvoltage V_(T). Electrons then flow from the source through the channelto the drain. Since electrons are negative charge carriers, positivecurrent flow is from the drain to the source. An n-channel IGFET is inthe biased-off state when its drain is at a positive driving potentialrelative to its source but its gate-to-source voltage V_(GS) is lessthan its threshold voltage V_(T) so that there is no significantelectron flow from the source through the channel to the drain as longas the positive driving potential is not high enough to causedrain-to-source breakdown. Threshold voltage V_(T) is generally positivefor an enhancement-mode n-channel IGFET and negative for adepletion-mode n-channel IGFET.

In a complementary manner, a p-channel IGFET is in the biased-on statewhen (a) its drain is at a suitable negative potential relative to itssource and (b) its gate-to-source voltage V_(GS) is less than or equalsits threshold voltage V_(T). Holes flow from the source through thechannel to the drain. Inasmuch as holes are positive charge carriers,positive current flow is from the source to the drain. A p-channel IGFETis in the biased-off state when its drain is at a negative potentialrelative to its source but its gate-to-source voltage V_(GS) is greaterthan its threshold voltage V_(T) so that there is no significant flow ofholes from the source through the channel to the drain as long as themagnitude of the negative driving potential is not high enough to causedrain-to-source breakdown. Threshold voltage V_(T) is generally negativefor an enhancement-mode p-channel IGFET and positive for adepletion-mode p-channel IGFET.

Charge carriers in semiconductor material generally mean both electronsand holes. References to charge carriers traveling in the direction ofthe local electric field mean that holes travel generally in thedirection of the local electric field vector and that electrons travelin the opposite direction to the local electric field vector.

The expressions “maximum concentration” and “concentration maximum”, asused here in singular or plural form, are generally interchangeable,i.e., have the same meaning except as otherwise indicated.

The semiconductor dopant which determines the conductivity type of thebody material of an IGFET is conveniently denominated as thebody-material dopant. When the IGFET employs a well region, thebody-material dopant includes the semiconductor well dopant or dopants.The vertical dopant profile below a S/D zone of an IGFET is referred toas “hypoabrupt” when the concentration of the body-material dopantreaches a subsurface maximum along an underlying body-material locationno more than 10 times deeper below the upper semiconductor surface thanthat S/D zone and decreases by at least a factor of 10 in moving fromthe subsurface location of the maximum concentration of thebody-material dopant upward to that S/D zone, i.e., to the pn junctionfor that S/D zone, along an imaginary vertical line extending from thesubsurface location of the maximum concentration of the body-materialdopant through that S/D zone. See any of U.S. Pat. No. 7,419,863 B1 andU.S. Patent Publications 20080311717 and 20080308878 (all Bulucea). Thepn junction for an S/D zone having an underlying hypoabrupt verticaldopant profile is, for simplicity, sometimes termed a hypoabruptjunction.

In a complementary manner, the vertical dopant profile below a S/D zoneof an IGFET is referred to as “non-hypoabrupt” when the concentration ofthe body-material dopant reaches a subsurface maximum along anunderlying body-material location no more than 10 times deeper below theupper semiconductor surface than that S/D zone but decreases by lessthan a factor of 10 in moving from the subsurface location of themaximum concentration of the body-material dopant upward to the pnjunction for that S/D zone along an imaginary vertical line extendingfrom the subsurface location of the maximum concentration of thebody-material dopant through that S/D zone. The pn junction for an S/Dzone having an underlying non-hypoabrupt vertical dopant profile is, forsimplicity, sometimes referred to as a non-hypoabrupt junction.

B. Complementary-IGFET Structures Suitable for Mixed-Signal Applications

FIGS. 11.1-11.9 (collectively “FIG. 11”) illustrate nine portions of acomplementary-IGFET (again “CIGFET”) semiconductor structure configuredaccording to the invention so as to be especially suitable formixed-signal applications. The IGFETs shown in FIG. 11 are designed tooperate in three different voltage regimes. Some of the IGFETs operateacross a voltage range of several volts, e.g., a nominal operationalrange of 3.0 V. These IGFETs are often referred to here as“high-voltage” IGFETs. Others operate across a lower voltage range,e.g., a nominal operational range of 1.2 V, and are analogously oftenreferred to here as “low-voltage” IGFETs. The remaining IGFETs operateacross a greater voltage range than the high-voltage and low-voltageIGFETs, and are generally referred to here as “extended-voltage” IGFETs.The operational range for the extended-voltage IGFETs is normally atleast 10 V, e.g., nominally 12 V.

The IGFETs in FIG. 11 use gate dielectric layers of two differentaverage nominal thicknesses, a high value t_(GdH) and a low valuet_(GdL). The gate dielectric thickness for each of the high-voltage andextended-voltage IGFETs is high value t_(GdH). For 3.0-V operation, highgate dielectric thickness t_(GdH) is 4-8 nm, preferably 5-7 nm,typically 6-6.5 nm, when the gate dielectric material is silicon oxideor largely silicon oxide. The gate dielectric thickness for each of thelow-voltage IGFETs is low value tam. For 1.2-V operation, low gatedielectric thickness t_(GdL) is 1-3 nm, preferably 1.5-2.5 nm, typically2 nm, likewise when the gate dielectric material is silicon oxide orlargely silicon oxide. All of the typical numerical values given belowfor the parameters of the IGFETs of FIG. 11 generally apply to animplementation of the present CIGFET semiconductor structure in whichthe gate dielectric layers have the preceding typical thickness values.

Asymmetric IGFETs appear in FIGS. 11.1 and 11.2 while symmetric IGFETsappear in FIGS. 11.3-11.9. More particularly, FIG. 11.1 depicts anasymmetric high-voltage n-channel IGFET 100 and a similarly configuredasymmetric high-voltage p-channel IGFET 102. Asymmetric IGFETs 100 and102 are designed for unidirectional-current applications. An asymmetricextended-drain n-channel IGFET 104 and a similarly configured asymmetricextended-drain p-channel IGFET 106 are pictured in FIG. 11.2.Extended-drain IGFETs 104 and 106 constitute extended-voltage devicesespecially suitable for applications, such as power devices,high-voltage switches, electrically erasable programmable read-onlymemory (“EEPROM”) programming circuitry, and electrostatic discharge(“ESD”) protection devices, which utilize voltages greater than severalvolts. Due to its asymmetry, each IGFET 100, 102, 104, or 106 isnormally used in situations where its channel-zone current flow isalways in the same direction.

Moving to the symmetric IGFETs, FIG. 11.3 depicts a symmetriclow-voltage low-leakage n-channel IGFET 108 and a similarly configuredsymmetric low-voltage low-leakage p-channel IGFET 110. The term“low-leakage” here means that IGFETs 108 and 110 are designed to havevery low current leakage. A symmetric low-voltage n-channel IGFET 112 oflow threshold-voltage magnitude and a similarly configured symmetriclow-voltage p-channel IGFET 114 of low threshold-voltage magnitude arepictured in FIG. 11.4. Inasmuch as V_(T) serves here as the symbol forthreshold voltage, IGFETs 112 and 114 are often referred to as low-V_(T)devices.

FIG. 11.5 depicts a symmetric high-voltage n-channel IGFET 116 ofnominal V_(T) magnitude and a similarly configured symmetrichigh-voltage p-channel IGFET 118 of nominal V_(T) magnitude. A symmetriclow-voltage n-channel IGFET 120 of nominal V_(T) magnitude and asimilarly configured symmetric low-voltage p-channel IGFET 122 ofnominal V_(T) magnitude are pictured in FIG. 11.6. FIG. 11.7 depicts asymmetric high-voltage low-V_(T) n-channel IGFET 124 and a similarlyconfigured symmetric high-voltage low-V_(T) p-channel IGFET 126.

As described further below, asymmetric IGFETs 100 and 102 and symmetricIGFETs. 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, and 126 allvariously use p-type and n-type wells. Some of the regions ofextended-drain IGFETs 104 and 106 are defined by the dopantintroductions used to form the p-type and n-type wells. Consequently,extended-drain IGFETs 104 and 106 effectively use p-type and n-typewells.

FIG. 11.8 depicts a pair of symmetric native low-voltage n-channelIGFETs 128 and 130. A pair of respectively corresponding symmetricnative high-voltage n-channel IGFETs 132 and 134 are pictured in FIG.11.9. The term “native” here means that n-channel IGFETs 128, 130, 132,and 134 do not use any wells. In particular, native n-channel IGFETs128, 130, 132, and 134 are created directly from lightly doped p-typemonosilicon that forms a starting region for the CIGFET structure ofFIG. 11. IGFETs 128 and 132 are nominal-V_(T) devices. IGFETs 130 and134 are low-V_(T) devices.

Threshold voltage V_(T) of each of symmetric IGFETs 112, 114, 124, and130 can be positive or negative. Accordingly, IGFETs 112, 114, 124, and130 can be enhancement-mode (normally on) or depletion-mode (normallyoff) devices. IGFET 112 is typically an enhancement-mode device. IGFETs114, 124, and 130 are typically depletion-mode devices. In addition,symmetric IGFETs 126 and 134 are depletion-mode devices.

In order to reduce the number of long chains of reference symbols, thegroup of IGFETs 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120,122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, and 134 illustrated in FIG. 11 is oftenreferred to collectively here as the “illustrated” IGFETs without alisting of their reference symbols. A subgroup of the illustrated IGFETsis similarly often further identified here by a term that characterizesthe subgroup. For instance, symmetric IGFETs 108, 110, 112, 114, 116,118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, and 134 are often referred tosimply as the illustrated symmetric IGFETs. Components of theillustrated IGFETs are similarly often referred to here as thecomponents of the illustrated IGFETs without a listing of the referencesymbols for the components. The same procedure is employed withcomponents of subgroups of the illustrated IGFETs.

With the foregoing identification convention in mind, the illustratedsymmetric IGFETs are all suitable for digital circuitry applications.Any of the illustrated symmetric IGFETs can, as appropriate, be employedin analog circuitry applications. The different features provided by theillustrated symmetric IGFETs enable circuit designers to choose IGFETsthat best accommodate the needs of particular circuits.

Asymmetric IGFETs 100 and 102 and the illustrated symmetric IGFETs are,for convenience, all depicted as long-channel devices. However, any ofthese IGFETs can be implemented in short-channel versions, especiallylow-leakage IGFETs 108, 110, 120, and 122. In that event, the halopocket portions (discussed further below) of the short-channel versionsof symmetric IGFET 108, 110, 120, or 122 can merge together as describedin U.S. Pat. No. 6,548,842, cited above.

No particular channel-length value generally separates the short-channeland long-channel regimes of IGFET operation or generally distinguishes ashort-channel IGFET from a long-channel IGFET. A short-channel IGFET, oran IGFET operating in the short-channel regime, is simply an IGFET whosecharacteristics are significantly affected by short-channel effects. Along-channel IGFET, or an IGFET operating in the long-channel regime, isthe converse of a short-channel IGFET. While the channel length value ofapproximately 0.4 μm roughly constitutes the boundary between theshort-channel and long-channel regimes for the background art in U.S.Pat. No. 6,548,842, the long-channel/short-channel boundary can occur ata higher or lower value of channel length depending on various factorssuch as gate dielectric thickness, minimum printable feature size,channel zone dopant concentration, and source/drain-body junction depth.

Asymmetric IGFETs 100 and 102 are depicted in FIG. 11 as using a commondeep n well (discussed further below) formed in a starting region oflightly doped p-type monosilicon. Alternatively, each IGFET 100 or 102can be provided in a version that lacks a deep n well. In a preferredimplementation, n-channel IGFET 100 uses a deep n well while p-channelIGFET 102 lacks a deep n well. Although none of the illustratedsymmetric IGFETs is shown as using a deep n well, each of theillustrated non-native symmetric IGFETs can alternatively be provided ina version using a deep n well. When used for one of the illustratednon-native n-channel IGFETs, the deep n well electrically isolates thep-type body region of the n-channel IGFET from the underlyingp-monosilicon. This enables that n-channel IGFET to be electricallyisolated from each other n-channel IGFET. Extending a deep n well usedfor a non-native n-channel IGFET, such as IGFET 100, below an adjacentp-channel IGFET, such as IGFET 102 in the example of FIG. 11, typicallyenables the IGFET packing density to be increased.

The illustrated non-native IGFETs can alternatively be created from astarting region of lightly doped n-type monosilicon. In that event, thedeep n wells can be replaced with corresponding deep p wells thatperform the complementary functions to the deep n wells. The illustratednative n-channel IGFETs require a p-type starting monosilicon region andthus will not be present in the resulting CIGFET structure that uses ann− starting monosilicon region. However, each of the illustrated nativen-channel IGFETs can be replaced with a corresponding native p-channelIGFET formed in the n− starting monosilicon.

The CIGFET structure of FIG. 11 may include lower-voltage versions ofasymmetric high-voltage IGFETs 100 and 102 achieved primarily bysuitably reducing the gate dielectric thickness and/or adjusting thedoping conditions. All of the preceding comments about changing from ap− starting monosilicon region to an n− starting monosilicon region andusing, or not using, deep p and n wells apply to these variations ofIGFETs 100, 102, 104, and 106.

Circuit elements other than the illustrated IGFETs and theabove-described variations of the illustrated IGFETs may be provided inother parts (not shown) of the CIGFET structure of FIG. 11. Forinstance, bipolar transistors and diodes along with various types ofresistors, capacitors, and/or inductors may be provided in the presentCIGFET structure. The bipolar transistors may be configured as describedin U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/382,967, cited above.

The resistors may be monosilicon or polysilicon elements. Depending onthe characteristics of the additional circuit elements, the CIGFETstructure also contains suitable electrical isolation for the additionalelements. Selected ones of the illustrated IGFETs and theirabove-described variations are typically present in any particularimplementation of the CIGFET structure of FIG. 11. In short, thearchitecture of the CIGFET structure of FIG. 11 provides IGFETs andother circuit elements suitable for mixed-signal IC applications.

C. Well Architecture and Doping Characteristics

The monosilicon elements of the illustrated IGFETs constitute parts of adoped monosilicon semiconductor body having a lightly doped p-typesubstrate region 136. A patterned field region 138 of electricallyinsulating material, typically consisting primarily of silicon oxide, isrecessed into the upper surface of the semiconductor body.Field-insulation region 138 is depicted as being of the shallow trenchisolation type in FIG. 11 but can be configured in other ways.

The recession of field-insulation region 138 into the uppersemiconductor surface defines a group of laterally separated activesemiconductor islands. Twenty such active islands 140, 142, 144A, 144B,146A, 146B, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170,172, and 174 appear in FIG. 11. Non-extended drain IGFETs 100, 102, 108,110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, and 134respectively use islands 140, 142, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160,162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, and 174. N-channel extended-drain IGFET104 uses islands 144A and 144B. P-channel extended-drain IGFET 106similarly uses islands 146A and 146B. In some embodiments, two or moreof the IGFETs shown in FIG. 11 and the IGFET variations described aboveutilize one of the active islands. This occurs, for instance, when twoor more of the IGFETs share an element such as a source or drain.

The semiconductor body contains main well regions 180, 182, 184A, 184B,186A, 186B, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 200, 202, 204, and 206, deepmoderately doped n-type well regions 210 and 212, and an isolatingmoderately doped p-type well region 216. Electrical contact to theillustrated main well regions, deep n well regions 210 and 212, andsubstrate region 136 is made via additional laterally separated activesemiconductor islands (not shown) defined along the upper semiconductorsurface by field insulation 138.

Deep n well regions 210 and 212 respectively form isolating pn junctions220 and 222 with p− substrate region 136. In so doing, deep n wells 210and 212 extend deeper into the semiconductor body than the other wellregions shown in FIG. 11. For this reason, main well regions 180, 182,184A, 184B, 186A, 186B, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 200, 202, 204,206, and 216 can be considered shallow wells.

Main well regions 180, 184A, 188, 192, 196, 200, and 204 are p-typewells respectively for n-channel non-native IGFETs 100, 104, 108, 112,116, 120, and 124. Main well region 186B is a p-type well for p-channelnon-native IGFET 106. Main well regions 182, 186A, 190, 194, 198, 202,and 206 are n-type wells respectively for non-native p-channel IGFETs102, 106, 110, 114, 118, 122, and 126. Main well region 184B is ann-type well for non-native n-channel IGFET 104.

For convenience, FIG. 11 depicts all of the illustrated main wellregions as extending to the same depth into the semiconductor body.However, the depth of the illustrated p-type main wells can be slightlyless than, or somewhat greater than the depth of the illustrated n-typemain wells. Also, certain of the illustrated p-type main wells extenddeeper into the semiconductor body than others depending on whether eachillustrated p-type main well merges into p− substrate region 136 ormeets a deep n well. Similarly, certain of the illustrated n-type mainwells extend deeper into the semiconductor body than others depending onwhether each illustrated n-type main well meets p− substrate region 136or merges into a deep n well.

In regard to the depth of a doped monosilicon region that merges into alower monosilicon region of the same conductivity type, the depth of theupper monosilicon region is considered to occur at the location wherethe concentration of the semiconductor dopant which defines the upperregion equals the concentration of the semiconductor dopant whichdefines the lower region. The depth of an n-type main well region, suchas n-type main well 182 or 186A, that merges into a deeper n-type wellregion, such as deep n well 210 or 212, thus occurs at the locationwhere the concentrations of the n-type semiconductor dopants whichdefine the two n-type wells are the same. When p− substrate region 136is created from p-type monosilicon of a substantially uniform backgrounddopant concentration, the depth of a p-type well region, such as p-typemain well 184A, which merges into substrate region 136 occurs at thelocation where the p-type well dopant concentration is twice the p-typebackground dopant concentration.

P-type main well region 180 constitutes the body material, orbody-material region, for asymmetric high-voltage n-channel IGFET 100and forms an isolating pn junction 224 with deep n well region 210. SeeFIG. 11.1. N-type main well region 182 merges into deep n well 210. Thecombination of n-type main well 182 and deep n well 210 forms the bodymaterial, or body-material region, for asymmetric high-voltage p-channelIGFET 102.

In an embodiment (not shown) where deep n well 210 underlies p-type mainwell region 180 of n-channel IGFET 100 but does not extend belowp-channel IGFET 102, p-type main well 180 again forms the body material(region) for n-channel IGFET 100. However, n-type main well 182 thensolely constitutes the body material (region) for p-channel IGFET 102and forms a pn junction with substrate region 136. In an embodiment(also not shown) fully lacking deep n well 210, the combination ofp-type main well 180 and p− substrate region 136 forms the body materialfor n-channel IGFET 100 while n-type main well 182 again constitutes thebody material for p-channel IGFET 102 and forms a pn junction withsubstrate region 136.

P-type main well region 184A merges into p− substrate region 136 asshown in FIG. 11.2. The combination of p-type main well 184A and p−substrate region 136 forms the body material, or body-material region,for extended-drain n-channel IGFET 104. N-type main well region 184B ofIGFET 104 forms, as discussed further below, a drain-body pn junction226 with substrate region 136.

N-type main well region 186A merges into deep n well region 212. Thecombination of n-type main well 186A and deep n well 212 forms the bodymaterial, or body-material region, for extended-drain p-channel IGFET106. P-type main well region 186B of IGFET 106 forms, as discussedfurther below, part of a drain-body pn junction 228 with deep n well212.

P well region 216 is situated below field-insulation region 138 andbetween n-type main well region 184B of IGFET 104 and deep n well region212 of IGFET 106. Because IGFETs 104 and 106 operate at very highvoltages and are adjacent to each other in the example of FIG. 11.2, pwell 216 electrically isolates IGFETs 104 and 106 from each other. Pwell 216 can be deleted in embodiments where extended-drain IGFETs 104and 106 are not adjacent to each other.

The combination of p-type main well region 188 and p− substrate region136 forms the body material, or body-material region, for symmetriclow-voltage low-leakage n-channel IGFET 108. See FIG. 11.3. N-type mainwell region 190 constitutes the body material, or body-material region,for symmetric low-voltage low-leakage p-channel IGFET 110 and forms anisolating pn junction 230 with substrate region 136.

The body material (region) for symmetric low-voltage low-V_(T) n-channelIGFET 112 is similarly formed by the combination of p-type main wellregion 192 and p− substrate region 136. See FIG. 11.4. N-type main wellregion 194 constitutes the body material (region) for symmetriclow-voltage low-V_(T) p-channel IGFET 114 and forms an isolating pnjunction 232 with substrate region 136.

The combination of p-type main well region 196 and p− substrate region136 forms the body material (region) for symmetric high-voltagenominal-V_(T) n-channel IGFET 116. See FIG. 11.5. N-type main wellregion 198 constitutes the body material (region) for symmetrichigh-voltage nominal-V_(T) p-channel IGFET 118 and forms an isolating pnjunction 234 with substrate region 136.

The body material (region) for symmetric low-voltage nominal-V_(T)n-channel IGFET 120 is formed by the combination of p-type main wellregion 200 and p− substrate region 136. See FIG. 11.6. N-type main wellregion 202 constitutes the body material (region) for symmetriclow-voltage nominal-V_(T) p-channel IGFET 122 and forms an isolating pnjunction 236 with substrate region 136.

The combination of p-type main well region 204 and p− substrate region136 forms the body material (region) for symmetric high-voltagelow-V_(T) n-channel IGFET 124. See FIG. 11.7. N-type main well region206 constitutes the body material (region) for symmetric high-voltagelow-V_(T) p-channel IGFET 126 and forms an isolating pn junction 238with substrate region 136.

P− substrate region 136 solely constitutes the body material (region)for each of native n-channel IGFETs 128, 130, 132, and 134. See FIGS.11.8 and 11.9.

Main well regions 180, 182, 184A, 184B, 186A, 186B, 192, 194, 204, and206 are all empty retrograde wells. More particularly, p-type main well180, 192, or 204 of n-channel IGFET 100, 112, or 124 is doped withp-type semiconductor dopant which is also present in that IGFET's S/Dzones. The concentration of the p-type dopant (a) locally reaches asubsurface concentration maximum at a subsurface maximum concentrationlocation extending laterally below largely all of each of the channeland S/D zones of IGFET 100, 112, or 124 and (b) decreases by at least afactor of 10, preferably by at least a factor of 20, more preferably byat least a factor of 40, in moving upward from the subsurface maximumconcentration location along a selected vertical location through aspecified one of that IGFET's S/D zones to the upper semiconductorsurface. The subsurface location of the maximum concentration of thep-type dopant in p-type main well 180, 192, or 204 of IGFET 100, 112, or124 occurs no more than 10 times, preferably no more than 5 times, morepreferably no more than 4 times, deeper than the maximum depth of thatIGFET's specified S/D zone.

As discussed further below, a p-type halo pocket portion is presentalong the source of asymmetric IGFET 100. The specified S/D zone forIGFET 100 is typically its drain but can be its source or drain in anvariation of IGFET 100 lacking a p-type halo pocket portion along thesource. The specified S/D zone can be either of the S/D zones forsymmetric IGFET 112 or 114.

Additionally, the concentration of the p-type dopant decreasessubstantially monotonically, typically by less than a factor of 10, inmoving from the subsurface maximum concentration location in p-typeempty main well 180, 192, or 204 of n-channel IGFET 100, 112, or 124along the selected vertical location for IGFET 100, 112, or 124 to itsspecified S/D zone. Since the subsurface location of the maximumconcentration of the p-type dopant in p-type main well 180, 192, or 204of IGFET 100, 112, or 124 occurs no more than 10 times deeper than themaximum depth of that IGFET's specified S/D zone, the dopant profilebelow the specified S/D zone of IGFET 100, 112, or 124 is typicallynon-hypoabrupt. The decrease in the concentration of the p-type dopantis normally substantially inflectionless, i.e., does not undergo anyinflection, in moving from the subsurface maximum concentration locationfor IGFET 100, 112, or 124 along the selected vertical location forIGFET 100, 112, or 124 to its specified S/D zone.

The aforementioned local concentration maximum of the p-type dopant inp-type empty main well region 180, 192, or 204 of n-channel IGFET 100,112, or 124 arises from the introduction of p-type semiconductor dopant,referred to here as the p-type empty main well dopant, into thesemiconductor body. For asymmetric IGFET 100 having a p-type halo pocketportion, the halo pocket is produced by additional p-type semiconductordopant, referred to here as the p-type source halo (or channel-grading)dopant, introduced into the semiconductor body so as to reach anadditional local concentration maximum at a considerably lesser depththan the concentration maximum produced by the p-type empty main welldopant. In order to clearly distinguish these two p-type concentrationmaxima in p-type empty main well 180, the p-type concentration maximumproduced by the p-type empty main well dopant is generally referred tohere as the “deep” p-type empty-well concentration maximum in well 180.The p-type concentration maximum resulting from the p-type source halodopant is, in a corresponding manner, generally referred to here as the“shallow” p-type empty-well concentration maximum in well 180. Thep-type source halo dopant may also be referred to here as the p-typesource-side halo pocket dopant or simply as the p-type source-sidepocket dopant.

The p-type halo pocket of asymmetric n-channel IGFET 100 may reach itsdrain in a short-channel version of IGFET 100. However, no significantamount of p-type source halo dopant is normally present fully laterallyacross the drain regardless of whether IGFET 100 is implemented as theillustrated long-channel device or as a short-channel device. There isalways an imaginary vertical line which extends through the drain ofIGFET 100 and which has no significant amount of the p-type source halodopant. Accordingly, the presence of the p-type halo pocket portionalong the source of IGFET 100 does not prevent it from meeting thecriteria that the concentration of the p-type dopant, i.e., the totalp-type dopant, in p-type empty main well region 180 decrease by at leasta factor of 10 in moving upward from the subsurface location of the deepp-type empty-well concentration maximum along a selected verticallocation through a specified one of that IGFET's S/D zones to the uppersemiconductor surface and that the concentration decrease of the totalp-type dopant along the selected vertical location in p-type empty mainwell 180 normally be substantially monotonic and substantiallyinflectionless in moving from the subsurface location of the deep p-typeempty-well concentration maximum along the selected vertical location tothat IGFET's specified S/D zone.

In addition to meeting the aforementioned p-type well concentrationcriteria, the concentration of the total p-type dopant in p-type emptymain well region 180, 192, or 204 of n-channel IGFET 100, 112, or 124preferably decreases substantially monotonically in moving from the pnjunction for the IGFET's specified S/D zone along the selected verticallocation to the upper semiconductor surface. Some pile-up of p-typesemiconductor dopant may occasionally occur along the upper surface ofthe specified S/D zone of IGFET 100, 112, or 124. If so, theconcentration of the total p-type dopant in p-type empty main well 180,192, or 204 decreases substantially monotonically in moving from the pnjunction for the specified S/D zone along the selected vertical locationto a point no further from the upper semiconductor surface than 20% ofthe maximum depth of the pn junction for the specified S/D zone.

Similar to the dopant concentration characteristics of p-type empty mainwell regions 180, 192, and 204, n-type empty main well region 182, 194,or 206 of p-channel IGFET 102, 114, or 126 is doped with n-typesemiconductor dopant which is also present in that IGFET's S/D zones.The concentration of the n-type dopant (a) locally reaches a subsurfaceconcentration maximum at a subsurface maximum concentration locationextending laterally below largely all of each of the channel and S/Dzones of IGFET 102, 114, or 126 and (b) decreases by at least a factorof 10, preferably by at least a factor of 20, more preferably by atleast a factor of 40, in moving upward from the subsurface maximumconcentration location along a selected vertical location through aspecified one of that IGFET's S/D zones to the upper semiconductorsurface. The subsurface location of the maximum concentration of then-type dopant in n-type main well 182, 194, or 206 of IGFET 102, 114, or126 occurs no more than 10 times, preferably no more than 5 times, morepreferably no more than 4 times, deeper than the maximum depth of thatIGFET's specified S/D zone.

An n-type halo pocket portion is, as discussed below, present along thesource of asymmetric IGFET 102. The specified S/D zone for IGFET 102 istypically its drain but can be its source or drain in an variation ofIGFET 102 lacking an n-type halo pocket portion along the source. Thespecified S/D zone can be either S/D zone for symmetric IGFET 114 or116.

Also, the concentration of the n-type dopant decreases substantiallymonotonically, typically by less than a factor of 10, in moving from thesubsurface maximum concentration location in n-type empty main well 182,194, or 206 of p-channel IGFET 102, 114, or 126 along the selectedvertical location for IGFET 102, 114, or 126 to its specified S/D zone.Consequently, the dopant profile below the specified S/D zone of IGFET102, 114, or 126 is typically non-hypoabrupt. The decrease in theconcentration of the n-type dopant is normally substantiallyinflectionless in moving from the subsurface maximum concentrationlocation for IGFET 102, 114, or 126 along the selected vertical locationfor IGFET 102, 114, or 126 to its specified S/D zone.

The aforementioned local concentration maximum of the n-type dopant inn-type empty main well region 182, 194, or 206 of n-channel IGFET 102,114, or 126 arises from the introduction of n-type semiconductor dopant,referred to here as the n-type empty main well dopant, into thesemiconductor body. For asymmetric IGFET 102 having an n-type halopocket portion, the n-type halo pocket is produced by additional n-typesemiconductor dopant, referred to here as n-type source halo (orchannel-grading) dopant, introduced into the semiconductor body so as toreach an additional local concentration maximum at a considerably lesserdepth than the concentration maximum produced by the n-type empty mainwell dopant. In order to clearly distinguish these two n-typeconcentration maxima in n-type empty main well 182, the n-typeconcentration maximum produced by the n-type empty main well dopant isgenerally referred to here as the “deep” n-type empty-well concentrationmaximum in well 182. The n-type concentration maximum resulting from then-type source halo dopant is, correspondingly, generally referred tohere as the “shallow” n-type empty-well concentration maximum in well182. The n-type source halo dopant may also be referred to here as then-type source-side halo pocket dopant or simply as the n-typesource-side pocket dopant.

The n-type halo pocket of asymmetric p-channel IGFET 102 may reach itsdrain in a short-channel version of IGFET 102. However, no significantamount of n-type source halo dopant is normally present fully laterallyacross the drain regardless of whether IGFET 100 is implemented inlong-channel or short-channel form. There is always an imaginaryvertical line which extends through the drain of IGFET 102 and which hasno significant amount of the n-type source halo dopant. Accordingly, thepresence of the n-type halo pocket portion along the source of IGFET 102does not prevent it from meeting the criteria that the concentration ofthe n-type dopant, i.e., the total n-type dopant, in n-type empty mainwell region 182 decrease by at least a factor of 10 in moving upwardfrom the subsurface location of the deep n-type concentration maximumalong a selected vertical location through a specified one of thatIGFET's S/D zones to the upper semiconductor surface and that theconcentration decrease of the total n-type dopant along the selectedvertical location in n-type empty main well 180 normally besubstantially monotonic and substantially inflectionless in moving fromthe subsurface location of the deep n-type concentration maximum alongthe selected vertical location to that IGFET's specified S/D zone.

Besides meeting the aforementioned n-type well concentration criteria,the concentration of the total n-type dopant in n-type empty main wellregion 182, 194, or 206 of n-channel IGFET 102, 114, or 126 preferablydecreases substantially monotonically in moving from the pn junction forthe IGFET's specified S/D zone along the selected vertical location tothe upper semiconductor surface. Some pile-up of n-type semiconductordopant may occasionally occur along the top of the specified S/D zone ofIGFET 102, 114, or 126. In that case, the concentration of the totaln-type dopant in n-type empty main well 182, 194, or 206 decreasessubstantially monotonically in moving from the pn junction for thespecified S/D zone along the selected vertical location to a point nofurther from the upper semiconductor surface than 20% of the maximumdepth of the pn junction for the specified S/D zone.

Because main well regions 180, 182, 192, 194, 204, and 206 are emptywells, there is less total semiconductor dopant in the channel zones ofIGFETs 100, 102, 112, 114, 124, and 126 than in the channel zones ofotherwise comparable IGFETs that use filled main well regions. As aresult, scattering of charge carriers (electrons for n-channel IGFETsand holes for p-channel IGFETs) due to collisions with dopant atomsoccurs less in the crystal lattices of the channel zones of IGFETs 100,102, 112, 114, 124, and 126 than in the crystal lattices of theotherwise comparable IGFETs having filled main wells. The mobilities ofthe charge carriers in the channel zones of IGFETs 100, 102, 112, 114,124, and 126 are therefore increased. This enables asymmetric IGFETs 100and 102 to have increased switching speed.

As to empty main well regions 184A, 184B, 186A, and 186B ofextended-drain IGFETs 104 and 106, the concentration of the p-typesemiconductor dopant in p-type empty main well 184A of n-channel IGFET104 or p-type empty main well 186B of p-channel IGFET 106 (a) locallyreaches a subsurface concentration maximum at a subsurface maximumconcentration location in well 184A or 186B and (b) decreases by atleast a factor of 10, preferably by at least a factor of 20, morepreferably by at least a factor of 40, in moving upward from thesubsurface maximum concentration location along a selected verticallocation through that well 184A or 186B to the upper semiconductorsurface. As discussed further below, the selected vertical locationthrough well 184A for n-channel IGFET 104 is situated to the side of itshalo pocket. The selected vertical location through well 186B forp-channel IGFET 106 extends through active island 146A. Theconcentration decrease of the p-type dopant along the selected verticallocation in p-type main well 184A or 186B is normally substantiallymonotonic. The subsurface location of the maximum concentration of thep-type dopant in p-type main well 184A or 186B of IGFET 104 or 106occurs no more than 10 times, preferably no more than 5 times, morepreferably no more than 4 times, deeper than the maximum depth of thatIGFET's source.

The aforementioned local concentration maxima of the p-type dopant inp-type empty main well regions 184A and 186B arise from the introductionof the p-type empty main well dopant into the semiconductor body. Theconcentration of the p-type dopant in each p-type empty main well 184Aor 186B normally reaches an additional local concentration maximum at aconsiderably lesser depth than the concentration maximum produced by thep-type empty main well dopant in that well 184A or 186B. In order toclearly distinguish the two p-type concentration maxima in each mainwell 184A or 186B, the p-type concentration maximum produced by thep-type empty main well dopant in well 184A or 186B is generally referredto here as the “deep” p-type empty-well concentration maximum in thatwell 184A or 186B. The p-type concentration maximum produced by theadditional p-type dopant in each main well 184A or 186B is, in acorresponding manner, generally referred to here as the “shallow” p-typeempty-well concentration maximum in that well 184A or 186B.

The shallow p-type empty-well concentration maximum in each p-type emptymain well region 184A or 186B arises from additional p-type empty-wellsemiconductor dopant introduced into that p-type empty main well 184A or186B and extends only partially laterally across that well 184A or 186B.There is always an imaginary vertical line which extends through p-typewell 184A or 186B and which has no significant amount of the additionalp-type empty-well dopant. Hence, the presence of the additional p-typeempty-well dopant in well 184A or 186B does not prevent it fromsatisfying the p-type empty-well criteria that the concentration of thep-type dopant, i.e., the total p-type dopant, in well 184A or 186Bdecrease by at least a factor of 10 in moving upward from the subsurfacelocation of the deep p-type empty-well concentration maximum along aselected vertical location through that well 184A or 186B to the uppersemiconductor surface and that the concentration decrease of the totalp-type dopant along the selected vertical location in well 184A or 186Bnormally be substantially monotonic.

In a complementary manner, the concentration of the n-type semiconductordopant in n-type empty main well region 184B of n-channel IGFET 104 orp-type empty main well region 186A of p-channel IGFET 106 similarly (a)locally reaches a subsurface concentration maximum at a subsurfacemaximum concentration location in empty main well 184B or 186A and (b)decreases by at least a factor of 10, preferably by at least a factor of20, more preferably by at least a factor of 40, in moving upward fromthe subsurface maximum concentration location along a selected verticallocation through that well 184B or 186A to the upper semiconductorsurface. As discussed further below, the selected vertical locationthrough well 184B for n-channel IGFET 104 extends through active island144A. The selected vertical location through well 186A for p-channelIGFET 106 is situated to the side of its halo pocket. The concentrationdecrease of the n-type dopant along the selected vertical location inp-type main well 184B or 186A is normally, substantially monotonic. Thesubsurface location of the maximum concentration of the n-type dopant inn-type main well 184B or 186A of IGFET 104 or 106 occurs no more than 10times, preferably no more than 5 times, more preferably no more than 4times, deeper than the maximum depth of that IGFET's source. Examples ofthe vertical locations along which the p-type dopant in p-type well 184Aor 186B and the n-type dopant in n-type well 184B or 186A reach theselocal concentration maxima are presented below in connection with FIGS.22 a, 22 b, 23 a-23 c, and 24 a-24 c.

The aforementioned local concentration maxima of the n-type dopant inn-type empty main well regions 184B and 186A arise from the introductionof the n-type empty main well dopant into the semiconductor body. Theconcentration of the n-type dopant in each n-type empty main well 184Bor 186A normally reaches an additional local concentration maximum at aconsiderably lesser depth than the concentration maximum produced by then-type empty main well dopant in that well 184B or 186A. So as toclearly distinguish the two n-type concentration maxima in each mainwell 184B or 186A, the n-type concentration maximum produced by then-type empty main well dopant in each well 184B or 186A is generallyreferred to here as the “deep” n-type empty-well concentration maximumin that well 184B or 186A. The n-type concentration maximum produced bythe additional n-type dopant in each main well 184B or 186A is,correspondingly, generally referred to here as the “shallow” n-typeempty-well concentration maximum in that well 184B or 186A.

The shallow n-type empty-well concentration maximum in each n-type emptymain well region 184B or 186A arises from additional n-type empty-wellsemiconductor dopant introduced into that n-type empty main well 184B or186A and extends only partially laterally across that well 184B or 186A.There is always an imaginary vertical line which extends through n-typewell 184B or 186A and which has no significant amount of the additionaln-type empty-well dopant. Consequently, the presence of the additionaln-type empty-well dopant in well 184B or 186A does not prevent it fromsatisfying the n-type empty-well criteria that the concentration of then-type dopant, i.e., the total n-type dopant, in well 184B or 186Adecrease by at least a factor of 10 in moving upward from the subsurfacelocation of the deep n-type empty-well concentration maximum along aselected vertical location through that well 184B or 186A to the uppersemiconductor surface and that the concentration decrease of the totaln-type dopant along the selected vertical location in well 184B or 186Anormally be substantially monotonic.

The dash-and-double-dot lines marked “MAX” in FIG. 11.2 indicate thesubsurface locations of (a) the p-type deep local concentration maximain p-type empty main well regions 184A and 186B and (b) the n-type deeplocal concentration maxima in n-type empty main well regions 184B and186A. As indicated by these lines, the deep n-type concentration maximumin n-type empty main well 184B of extended-drain n-channel IGFET 104occurs at approximately the same depth as the deep p-type concentrationmaximum in that IGFET's p-type empty main well 184A. Likewise, the deepp-type concentration maximum in p-type empty main well 186B ofextended-drain p-channel IGFET 106 occurs at approximately the samedepth as the deep n-type concentration maximum in n-type empty main well186A of IGFET 106.

Empty main well regions 184B and 186B respectively serve, as discussedfurther below, partially or fully as the drains of extended-drain IGFETs104 and 106. By configuring main wells 184B and 186B as empty retrogradewells, the maximum value of the electric field in each of IGFETs 104 and106 occurs in the bulk of the monosilicon rather than along the uppersemiconductor surface as commonly arises in conventional extended-drainIGFETs. In particular, the maximum value of the electric field in eachIGFET 104 or 106 occurs along the pn junction between the drain and bodymaterial at, or close to, the subsurface location of the aforementionedlocal concentration maximum of the main well dopant in well 184B or186B. As a consequence, impact ionization occurs more in the bulk of themonosilicon, specifically in the bulk of the drain, of IGFET 104 or 106rather than in the monosilicon along the upper semiconductor surface ascommonly arises in conventional extended-drain IGFETs.

By generally shifting impact ionization to the bulk of the monosilicon,fewer charge carriers reach the upper semiconductor surface withsufficient energy to be injected into the gate dielectric layers ofextended-drain IGFETs 104 and 106 than into the gate dielectric layersof conventional extended-drain IGFETs in which substantial impactionization occurs in the monosilicon along the upper semiconductorsurface. IGFETs 104 and 106 substantially avoid having their thresholdvoltages change due to charge injection into their gate dielectriclayers. Accordingly, IGFETs 104 and 106 are of considerably enhancedreliability.

Additionally, empty main well regions 184A and 184B of n-channel IGFET104 are preferably spaced apart from each other. The minimum spacingL_(WW) between empty main wells 184A and 184B occurs approximately alongan imaginary horizontal line extending from the location of the deepp-type concentration maximum in main well 184A to the location of thedeep n-type concentration maximum in well 184B because the twoconcentration maxima occur at approximately the same depth. Empty mainwell regions 186A and 186B of p-channel IGFET 106 are likewisepreferably spaced apart from each other. The minimum spacing L_(WW)between empty main wells 186A and 186B similarly occurs approximatelyalong an imaginary horizontal line extending from the location of thedeep n-type concentration maximum in main well 186A to the location ofthe deep p-type concentration maximum in main well 186B since these twoconcentration maxima occur at approximately the same depth. Thelocations of minimum well-to-well spacings L_(WW) for IGFETs areillustrated in FIGS. 22 a and 22 b discussed below.

The drain-to-source breakdown voltage V_(BD) of extended-drain IGFET 104or 106 depends on minimum well-to-well spacing L_(WW). In particular,breakdown voltage V_(BD) of IGFET 104 or 106 increases as well-to-wellspacing L_(WW) increases up to point at which breakdown voltage V_(BD)reaches a saturation value. The increase in breakdown voltage V_(BD)with spacing L_(WW) is typically in the vicinity of 6 V/μm in aV_(BD)/L_(WW) region of commercial interest as indicated below inconnection with FIG. 27. The use of empty retrograde wells 184A and 184Bin n-channel IGFET 104 or empty retrograde wells 186A and 186B inp-channel IGFET 106 thus provides a convenient way for controllingbreakdown voltage V_(BD) in the V_(BD)/L_(WW) region of commercialinterest.

Main well regions 188, 190, 196, 198, 200, and 202 are all filled wells.More specifically, p-type main well 188, 196, or 200 of symmetricn-channel IGFET 108, 116, or 120 contains p-type semiconductor dopantthat (a) locally reaches a subsurface concentration maximum at asubsurface location extending laterally below largely all of each ofthat IGFET's channel and S/D zones and (b) decreases by less than afactor of 10 in moving upward from the subsurface location along anyvertical location through each of that IGFET's S/D zones to the uppersemiconductor surface. The subsurface location of the maximumconcentration of the p-type dopant in p-type main well 188, 196, or 200of IGFET 108, 116, or 120 occurs no more than 10 times, preferably nomore than 5 times, more preferably no more than 4 times, deeper belowthe upper semiconductor surface than the maximum depth of each of thatIGFET's S/D zones.

The foregoing local concentration maxima of the p-type dopant in p-typefilled main well regions 188, 196, and 200 arise from the introductionof p-type semiconductor dopant, referred to here as the p-type filledmain well dopant, into the semiconductor body. The concentration of thep-type dopant in each p-type filled main well 188, 196, or 200 reachesat least one additional local concentration maximum in that well 188,196, or 200. Each additional p-type concentration in p-type well 188,196, or 200 occurs at a considerably lesser depth than the concentrationmaximum resulting from the p-type filled main well dopant in that well188, 196, or 200. In order to clearly distinguish the multiple p-typeconcentration maxima in each filled main well 188, 196, or 200, thep-type concentration maximum produced by the p-type filled main welldopant in well 188, 196, or 200 is generally referred to here as the“deep” p-type filled-well concentration maximum in that well 188, 196,or 200. Each additional p-type concentration maximum in each filled mainwell 188, 196, or 200 is, in a corresponding manner, generally referredto here as a “shallow” p-type filled-well concentration maximum in thatwell 188, 196, or 200.

Each p-type filled main well region 188, 196, or 200 normally has atleast one shallow p-type filled-well concentration maximum that extendssubstantially fully laterally across that filled main well 188, 196, or200. Accordingly, the p-type dopant profile along any imaginary verticalline through each p-type main well 188, 196, or 200 and through the deepp-type filled-well concentration maximum in that well 188, 196, or 200has at least two local concentration maxima. Each shallow p-typefilled-well concentration maximum in each p-type main well 188, 196, or200 is produced by introduction of additional p-type filled-wellsemiconductor dopant into that well 188, 196, or 200. The additionalp-type filled-well dopant “fills” each p-type main well 188, 196, or 200substantially across its entire lateral extent so that each main well188, 196, or 200 is a filled well.

P-type filled main well regions 188, 196, and 200 of symmetric n-channelIGFETs 108, 116, and 120 receive p-type semiconductor dopant, referredto here as the p-type anti-punchthrough (“APT”) dopant, as additionalp-type filled-well dopant. The maximum concentration of the p-type APTdopant normally occurs more than 0.1 μm below the upper semiconductorsurface but not more than 0.4 μm below the upper semiconductor surface.In addition, the maximum concentration of the p-type APT dopant occursbelow channel surface depletion regions that extend along the uppersemiconductor surface into the channel zones of IGFETs 108, 116, and 120during IGFET operation. By positioning the p-type APT dopant in thismanner, the p-type APT dopant inhibits source-to-drain bulk punchthroughfrom occurring in IGFETs 108, 116, and 120, especially when theirchannel lengths are relatively short.

P-type semiconductor dopant, referred to here as the p-typethreshold-adjust dopant, is also provided to p-type main filled wellregions 188 and 196 of symmetric n-channel IGFETs 108 and 116 asadditional p-type filled-well dopant. The maximum concentration of thep-type threshold-adjust dopant occurs at a lesser depth than the maximumconcentration of the p-type APT dopant.

With threshold voltage V_(T) of low-voltage n-channel IGFET 120 being ata nominal positive value, the p-type threshold-adjust dopant causes thepositive threshold voltage of low-voltage IGFET 108 to exceed thenominal V_(T) value of IGFET 120. The increased threshold voltage oflow-voltage IGFET 108 enables it to have reduced current leakage in thebiased-off state. IGFET 108 is thus particularly suitable forlow-voltage applications that require low-off state current leakage butcan accept increased threshold voltage.

Low-voltage IGFET 120 of nominal threshold voltage is a companion tolow-voltage low-leakage IGFET 108 because both of them receive thep-type APT dopant for inhibiting source-to-drain bulk punchthrough.However, IGFET 120 does not receive the p-type threshold-adjust dopant.Hence, IGFET 120 is especially suitable for low-voltage applicationsthat require moderately low threshold voltage but do not requireextremely low off-state current leakage.

Symmetric low-voltage IGFETs 108 and 120 are also companions tosymmetric low-voltage low-V_(T) n-channel IGFET 112 which lacks both thep-type APT dopant and the p-type threshold-adjust dopant. With its lowthreshold voltage, IGFET 112 is particularly suitable for use inlow-voltage situations where IGFETs are always on during circuitryoperation. In order to avoid punchthrough and excessive current leakage,IGFET 112 is of appropriately greater channel length than IGFET 120 or108.

The p-type threshold-adjust dopant sets threshold voltage V_(T) ofsymmetric high-voltage IGFET 116 at a nominal value suitable forhigh-voltage applications. IGFET 116 is a companion to symmetrichigh-voltage low-V_(T) n-channel IGFET 124 which lacks both the p-typeAPT dopant and the p-type threshold-adjust dopant. As with using IGFET112 in low-voltage situations, the low threshold voltage of IGFET 124makes it especially suitable for use in high-voltage situations whereIGFETs are always on during circuitry operation. IGFET 124 is ofappropriately greater channel length than IGFET 116 in order to avoidpunchthrough and excessive current leakage.

Analogous to what is said above about p-type filled main well regions188, 196, and 200 of IGFETs 108, 116, and 120, n-type filled main wellregion 190, 198, or 202 of symmetric p-channel IGFET 110, 118, or 122contains n-type semiconductor dopant that (a) locally reaches asubsurface concentration maximum at a subsurface location extendinglaterally below largely all of each of that IGFET's channel and S/Dzones and (b) decreases by less than a factor of 10 in moving upwardfrom the subsurface location along any vertical location through each ofthat IGFET's S/D zones to the upper semiconductor surface. Thesubsurface location of the maximum concentration of the n-type dopant inn-type filled main well 190, 198, or 202 of IGFET 110, 118, or 122occurs no more than 10 times, preferably no more than 5 times, morepreferably no more than 4 times, deeper than the maximum depth of eachof that IGFET's S/D zones.

The foregoing local concentration maxima of the n-type dopant in n-typefilled main well regions 190, 198, and 202 arise from n-typesemiconductor dopant, referred to as the n-type filled main well dopant,introduced into the semiconductor body. The concentration of the n-typedopant in each n-type filled main well 190, 198, and 202 reaches atleast one additional local concentration maximum in that well 190, 198,and 202. Each additional n-type concentration in n-type well 190, 198,and 202 occurs at a considerably lesser depth than the concentrationmaximum resulting from the n-type filled main well dopant in that well190, 198, and 202. So as to clearly distinguish the multiple n-typeconcentration maxima in each filled main well 190, 198, and 202, then-type concentration maximum produced by the n-type filled main welldopant in well 190, 198, and 202 is generally referred to here as the“deep” n-type filled-well concentration maximum in that well 190, 198,and 202. Each additional n-type concentration maximum in each filledmain well 190, 198, and 202 is, correspondingly, generally referred tohere as a “shallow” n-type filled-well concentration maximum in thatwell 190, 198, and 202.

Each n-type filled main well region 190, 198, and 202 normally has atleast one shallow n-type filled well concentration maximum that extendssubstantially fully laterally across that filled main well 190, 198, and202. Hence, the n-type dopant profile along any imaginary vertical linethrough each n-type main well 190, 198, and 202 and through the deepn-type filled-well concentration maximum in that well 190, 198, and 202has at least two local concentration maxima. Each shallow n-typefilled-well concentration maximum in each n-type main well 190, 198, and202 is produced by introducing additional n-type filled-wellsemiconductor dopant into that well 190, 198, and 202. The additionaln-type filled-well dopant “fills” each n-type main well 190, 198, and202 substantially across its entire lateral extent so that each mainwell 190, 198, and 202 is a filled well.

N-type filled main well regions 190, 198, and 202 of symmetric p-channelIGFETs 110, 118, and 122 receive n-type semiconductor dopant, referredto here as the n-type APT dopant, as additional n-type filled-welldopant. The maximum concentration of the n-type APT dopant normallyoccurs more than 0.1 μm below the upper semiconductor surface but notmore than 0.4 μm below the upper semiconductor surface. Further, themaximum concentration of the n-type APT dopant occurs below channelsurface depletion regions that extend along the upper semiconductorsurface into the channel zones of IGFETs 110, 118, and 122 during IGFEToperation. Positioning the n-type APT dopant in this way inhibitssource-to-drain bulk punchthrough from occurring in IGFETs 110, 118, and122, especially when they are of relatively short channel length.

N-type semiconductor dopant, referred to here as the n-typethreshold-adjust dopant, is also furnished to n-type filled main wellregions 190 and 198 of n-channel IGFETs 110 and 118 as additional n-typefilled-well dopant. The maximum concentration of the n-type thresholdadjust dopant occurs at a lesser depth than the maximum concentration ofthe n-type APT dopant.

With threshold voltage V_(T) of low-voltage p-channel IGFET 122 being ata nominal negative value, the n-type threshold-adjust dopant causes themagnitude of the negative threshold voltage of low-voltage low-leakageIGFET 110 to exceed the magnitude of the nominal V_(T) value of IGFET122. The increased V_(T) magnitude of IGFET 110 enables it to havereduced current leakage in the biased-off state. Hence, IGFET 110 isparticularly suitable for low-voltage applications that necessitatelow-off state current leakage but can accept threshold voltage ofincreased magnitude.

Low-voltage IGFET 122 of nominal threshold voltage is a companion tolow-voltage IGFET 110 because both of them receive the n-type APT dopantfor inhibiting source-to-drain bulk punchthrough. However, IGFET 122does not receive the n-type threshold-adjust dopant. As a result, IGFET122 is especially suitable for low-voltage applications that requiremoderately low V_(T) magnitude but do not require extremely lowoff-state current leakage.

Symmetric low-voltage IGFETs 110 and 122 are also companions tosymmetric low-voltage low-V_(T) p-channel IGFET 114 which lacks both then-type APT dopant and the n-type threshold-adjust dopant. Due to the lowmagnitude of its threshold voltage, IGFET 114 is particularly suitablefor use in low-voltage situations in which IGFETs are always on duringcircuitry operation. To avoid punchthrough and excessive currentleakage, IGFET 114 is of appropriately greater channel length than IGFET122 or 110.

The n-type threshold-adjust dopant sets threshold voltage V_(T) ofsymmetric high-voltage IGFET 118 at a nominal value suitable forhigh-voltage applications. IGFET 118 is a companion to symmetrichigh-voltage low-V_(T) p-channel IGFET 126 which lacks both the n-typeAPT dopant and the n-type threshold-adjust dopant. Similar to what wassaid about IGFET 114 for low-voltage situations, the low magnitude ofthe threshold voltage of IGFET 126 makes it especially suitable for usein high-voltage situations where IGFETs are always on during circuitryoperation. IGFET 126 is of appropriately greater channel length thanIGFET 118 in order to avoid punchthrough and excessive current leakage.

Symmetric native low-voltage n-channel IGFETs 128 and 130 are suitablefor low-voltage applications. In a complementary manner, symmetricnative high-voltage n-channel IGFETs 132 and 134 are suitable forhigh-voltage applications. Native IGFETs 128, 130, 132, and 134typically have excellent matching and noise characteristics.

The following table summarizes the typical application areas, primaryvoltage/current characteristics, identification numbers, polarities,symmetry types, and main well types, for the eighteen illustrated IGFETswhere “Comp” means complementary, “Asy” means asymmetric, and “Sym”means symmetric:

Voltage/current Main Typical Application Areas Characteristics IGFET(s)Polarity Symmetry Well(s) High-speed input/output High-voltage 100 and102 Comp Asy Empty stages unidirectional Power, high-voltageExtended-voltage 104 and 106 Comp Asy Empty switching, EEPROMunidirectional programming, and ESD protection Low-voltage digitalLow-voltage high-V_(T) 108 and 110 Comp Sym Filled circuitry with lowbidirectional current leakage Low-voltage high-speed Low-voltagelow-V_(T) 112 and 114 Comp Sym Empty digital circuitry in bidirectionalalways-on situations Transmission gates in High-voltage 116 and 118 CompSym Filled input/output digital nominal-V_(T) stages bidirectionalGeneral low-voltage Low-voltage 120 and 122 Comp Sym Filled digitalcircuitry nominal-V_(T) bidirectional Transmission gates in High-voltagelow-V_(T) 124 and 126 Comp Sym Empty input/output digital bidirectionalstages in always-on situations General low-voltage Low-voltage 128N-channel Sym None class A circuitry nominal-V_(T) bidirectionalHigh-speed low-voltage Low-voltage low-V_(T) 130 N-channel Sym Noneclass A circuitry in bidirectional always-on situations Generalhigh-voltage High-voltage 132 N-channel Sym None class A circuitrynominal-V_(T) bidirectional High-speed high-voltage High-voltagelow-V_(T) 134 N-channel Sym None class A circuitry in bidirectionalalways-on situations

In addition providing two types of asymmetric complementary IGFET pairs,the present CIGFET structure provides symmetric complementary IGFETpairs in all four combinations of well type and low-voltage/high-voltageoperational range. Symmetric complementary IGFETs 108 and 110 andsymmetric complementary IGFETs 120 and 122 are low-voltage filled-welldevices. Symmetric complementary IGFETs 112 and 114 are low-voltageempty-well devices. Symmetric complementary IGFETs 116 and 118 arehigh-voltage filled-well devices. Symmetric IGFETs 124 and 126 arehigh-voltage empty-well devices. The CIGFET structure of the presentinvention thus furnishes a designer of a mixed-signal IC with a broadgroup of IGFETs, including the above-described variations of asymmetricIGFETs 100 and 102 lacking deep n wells and the above-describedvariations of the non-native symmetric IGFETs having deep n wells, whichenable the IC designer to choose an IGFET that well satisfies eachcircuitry need in the mixed-signal IC.

A full description of the process for manufacturing the CIGFET of theinvention is presented in the fabrication process section below.Nonetheless, in completing the basic description of the well regionsused in the present CIGFET structure, the p-type deep localconcentration maxima of p-type empty main well regions 180, 184A, and186B and the p-type concentration maxima of p-type empty main wellregions 192 and 204 are normally defined substantially simultaneously byselectively ion implanting the p-type empty main well dopant, typicallyboron, into the semiconductor body. Consequently, the p-type deep localconcentration maxima of p-type empty main wells 180, 184A, and 186B andthe p-type concentration maxima of p-type empty main wells 192 and 204occur at approximately the same average depth y_(PWPK).

The p-type empty main well maximum dopant concentration at average depthy_(PWPK) in p-type empty main well region 180, 184A, 186B, 192, or 204is normally 4×10¹⁷−1×10¹⁸ atoms/cm³, typically 7×10¹⁷ atoms/cm³. Averagep-type empty main well maximum concentration depth y_(PWPK) is normally0.4-0.7 μm, typically 0.5-0.55 μm.

None of empty-well n-channel IGFETs 100, 112, and 124 uses a deep p wellregion. The p-type empty main well subsurface maximum concentration forn-channel IGFET 100, 112, or 124 is therefore substantially the onlylocal subsurface concentration maximum of the total p-type dopantconcentration in moving from the p-type empty main well subsurfacemaximum concentration location at average p-type empty main well maximumconcentration depth y_(PWPK) for IGFET 100, 112, or 124 vertically downto a depth y of at least 5 times, normally at least 10 times, preferablyat least 20 times, depth y_(PWPK) for IGFET 100, 112, or 124.

Each empty-well n-channel IGFET 100, 112, or 124 can alternatively beprovided in a variation that uses a deep p well region defined withp-type semiconductor dopant, referred to here as the deep p well dopant,whose concentration locally reaches a p-type further subsurface maximumconcentration at a further subsurface maximum concentration locationextending laterally below largely all of that IGFET's channel zone andnormally also below largely all of each of that IGFET's S/D zones butwhich does not materially affect the essential empty-well nature of thatIGFET's p-type empty well region 180, 192, or 204. The local furthersubsurface maximum concentration location of the deep p well dopantoccurs in empty main well 180, 192, or 204 at an average value of depthy greater than p-type average empty main well maximum concentrationdepth y_(PWPK) in that empty main well 180, 192, or 204.

The average depth of the maximum p-type dopant concentration of the deepp well dopant is normally no greater than 10 times, preferably nogreater than 5 times, average p-type empty main well maximumconcentration depth y_(PWPK). The deep p well dopant causes the totalp-type concentration at any depth y less than y_(PWPK) in empty mainwell 180, 192, or 204 to be raised no more than 25%, normally no morethan 10%, preferably no more than 2%, more preferably no more than 1%,typically no more than 0.5%.

The n-type deep local concentration maxima of n-type empty main wellregions 182, 184B, and 186A and the n-type concentration maxima ofn-type empty main well regions 194 and 206 are normally definedsubstantially simultaneously by selectively ion implanting the n-typeempty main well dopant, typically phosphorus, into the semiconductorbody. Hence, the n-type deep local concentration maxima of n-type emptymain wells 182, 184B, and 186A and the n-type concentration maxima ofn-type empty main wells 194 and 206 occur at approximately the sameaverage depth y_(NWPK).

The n-type empty main well maximum dopant concentration at average depthy_(NWPK) in n-type empty main well region 182, 184B, 186A, 194 or 206 isnormally 3×10¹⁷−1×10¹⁸ atoms/cm³, typically 6×10¹⁷ atoms/cm³. Averagen-type empty main well maximum concentration depth y_(NWPK) is normally0.4-0.8 μm, typically 0.55-0.6 μm. Hence, average n-type empty main wellmaximum concentration depth y_(NWPK) in n-type empty main well 182,184B, 186A, 194 or 206 is typically slightly greater than average p-typeempty main well maximum concentration depth y_(PWPK) in p-type emptymain well region 180, 184A, 186B, 192, and 204.

Neither of symmetric empty-well p-channel IGFETs 114 and 126 uses a deepn well region in the example of FIG. 11. Deep n well region 210 can, asmentioned above, be deleted in a variation of asymmetric empty-wellIGFETs 100 and 102. For p-channel IGFETs 114 and 126 in the presentexample and for that variation of asymmetric IGFETs 100 and 102, then-type empty main well subsurface maximum concentration for p-channelIGFET 102, 114, or 126 is substantially the only local subsurfaceconcentration maximum of the total n-type dopant concentration in movingfrom the n-type empty main well subsurface maximum concentrationlocation at average n-type empty main well maximum concentration depthy_(NWPK) for IGFET 102, 114, or 126 vertically down to a depth y of atleast 5 times, normally at least 10 times, preferably at least 20 times,depth y_(NWPK) for IGFET 102, 114, or 126.

Deep n well regions 210 and 212 are normally defined substantiallysimultaneously by selectively ion implanting n-type semiconductordopant, referred to here as the deep n well dopant, into thesemiconductor body. As a result, deep n wells 210 and 212 reach n-typelocal concentration maxima at the same average depth y_(DNWPK). The deepn well dopant is typically phosphorus.

The maximum concentration of the deep n well dopant in deep n wellregions 210 and 212 occurs considerably deeper into the semiconductorbody than the maximum concentration of the n-type empty main well dopantin n-type empty main well regions 182, 184B, 186A, 194, and 206. Averagedepth y_(DNWPK) of the maximum concentration of the deep n well dopantin deep n wells 210 and 212 is normally no greater than 10 times,preferably no greater than 5 times, average depth y_(NWPK) of the n-typedeep local concentration maxima of n-type empty main wells 182, 184B,and 186A and the n-type concentration maxima of n-type empty main wells194 and 206. More particularly, average deep n well maximumconcentration depth y_(DNWPK) is normally 1.5-5.0 times, preferably2.0-4.0 times, typically 2.5-3.0 times, average n-type empty main wellmaximum concentration depth y_(NWPK).

Additionally, average depth y_(DNWPK) and the maximum concentration ofthe deep n well dopant in deep n well regions 210 and 212 are of suchvalues that the presence of the deep n well dopant normally has no morethan a minor effect on the total (absolute) n-type concentration inempty main well region 182 of asymmetric p-channel IGFET 102 at anydepth y less than average n-type empty main well maximum concentrationdepth y_(NWPK) and on the total (absolute) n-type concentration in emptymain well region 186A of extended-drain p-channel IGFET 106 at any depthy less than y_(NWPK). In particular, the deep n well dopant causes thetotal n-type concentration at any depth y less than y_(NWPK) in emptymain well 182 or 186A to be raised no more than 25%, normally no morethan 10%.

More specifically, the presence of the deep n well dopant normally hasno significant effect on the total (absolute) n-type concentration inempty main well region 182 of asymmetric p-channel IGFET 102 at anydepth y less than average n-type empty main well maximum concentrationdepth y_(NWPK) and on the total (absolute) n-type concentration in emptymain well region 186A of extended-drain p-channel IGFET 106 at any depthy less than y_(NWPK). The total n-type concentration at any depth y lessthan y_(NWPK) in empty main well 182 or 186A is preferably raised nomore than 2%, more preferably no more than 1%, typically no more than0.5%, due to the deep n well dopant. The same applies to a variation ofsymmetric p-channel IGFET 114 or 126 provided with a deep n well regionbelow empty main well region 194 or 206.

The deep n well maximum dopant concentration at average depth y_(DNWPK)in deep well region 210 or 212 is normally 1×10¹⁷−4×10¹⁷ atoms/cm³,typically 2×10¹⁷ atoms/cm³. Average deep n well maximum concentrationdepth y_(DNWPK) is normally 1.0-2.0 μm, typically 1.5 μm.

The p-type deep local concentration maxima of p-type filled main wellregions 188, 196, and 200 are normally defined substantiallysimultaneously by selectively ion implanting the p-type filled main welldopant, typically boron, into the semiconductor body. For structuralsimplicity, the concentration maximum of the p-type filled main welldopant is typically arranged to be at approximately the same averagedepth y_(PWPK) as the concentration maximum of the p-type empty mainwell dopant. When the p-type empty and filled main well implantationsare done with the same p-type dopant using the same dopant-containingparticles species at the same ionization charge state, the p-type filledmain well implantation is then performed at approximately the sameimplant energy as the p-type empty-well implantation. The two p-typemain well implantations are also normally done at approximately the sameimplant dosage.

The n-type deep local concentration maxima of n-type filled main wellregions 190, 198, and 202 are similarly normally defined substantiallysimultaneously by selectively ion implanting the n-type filled main welldopant, typically phosphorus, into the semiconductor body. Theconcentration maximum of the n-type filled main well dopant is, forstructural simplicity, typically arranged to be at approximately thesame average depth y_(NWPK) as the concentration maximum of the n-typeempty main well dopant. In the typical case where the n-type empty andfilled main well implantations are done with the same n-type dopantusing the same dopant-containing particles species at the sameionization charge state, the n-type filled main well implantation isthereby performed at approximately the same implant energy as the n-typeempty-well implantation. The two n-type main well implantations are alsonormally done at approximately the same implant dosage.

The five well implantations, along with any further p-type or n-typewell implantation, are performed after formation of field-insulationregion 138 and can generally be done in any order.

Each source/drain zone of asymmetric IGFETs 100 and 102 and theillustrated symmetric IGFETs is typically provided with a verticallygraded junction. That is, each source/drain zone of IGFETs 100 and 102and the illustrated symmetric IGFETs typically includes a very heavilydoped main portion and a more lightly doped, but still heavily doped,lower portion that underlies and is vertically continuous with the mainportion. The same applies to the sources and the drain contact zones ofextended-drain IGFETs 104 and 106. The heavily doped lower portions thatprovide the vertically graded junction features are, for simplicity inexplanation, not described in the following sections on asymmetrichigh-voltage IGFETs, extended-drain IGFETs, symmetric IGFETs,information generally applicable to all the IGFETs, and fabrication ofthe present CIGFET structure. Nor are these heavily doped lower portionsillustrated in the drawings accompanying those five sections. Instead,vertically graded junctions are dealt with separately below inconnection with the vertically graded junction variations of IGFETsshown in FIGS. 34.1-34.3.

D. Asymmetric High-Voltage IGFETs

D1. Structure of Asymmetric High-Voltage N-Channel IGFET

The internal structure of asymmetric high-voltage empty-wellcomplementary IGFETs 100 and 102 is now described. Beginning withn-channel IGFET 100, an expanded view of the core of IGFET 100 asdepicted in FIG. 11.1 is shown in FIG. 12. IGFET 100 has a pair ofn-type source/drain (again “S/D”) zones 240 and 242 situated in activesemiconductor island 140 along the upper semiconductor surface. S/Dzones 240 and 242 are often respectively referred to below as source 240and drain 242 because they normally, though not necessarily,respectively function as source and drain. Source 240 and drain 242 areseparated by a channel zone 244 of p-type empty main well region 180that constitutes the body material for IGFET 100. P-type empty-well bodymaterial 180 forms (a) a source-body pn junction 246 with n-type source240 and (b) a drain-body pn junction 248 with n-type drain 242.

A moderately doped halo pocket portion 250 of p-type empty-well bodymaterial 180 extends along source 240 up to the upper semiconductorsurface and terminates at a location between source 240 and drain 242.FIGS. 11.1 and 12 illustrate the situation in which source 240 extendsdeeper than p source-side halo pocket 250. Alternatively, halo pocket250 can extend deeper than source 240. Halo pocket 250 then extendslaterally under source 240. Halo pocket 250 is defined with the p-typesource halo dopant.

The portion of p-type empty-well body material 180 outside source-sidehalo pocket portion 250 constitutes p-type empty-well main body-materialportion 254. In moving from the location of the deep p-type empty-wellconcentration maximum in body material 180 toward the uppersemiconductor surface along an imaginary vertical line outside halopocket portion 250, the concentration of the p-type dopant in empty-wellmain body-material portion 254 drops gradually from a moderate doping,indicated by symbol “p”, to a light doping, indicated by symbol “p−”.Dotted line 256 in FIGS. 11.1 and 12 roughly represents the locationbelow which the p-type dopant concentration in main body-materialportion 254 is at the moderate p doping and above which the p-typedopant concentration in portion 254 is at the light p− doping. Themoderately doped lower part of body-material portion 254 below line 256is indicated as p lower body-material part 254L in FIG. 12. The lightlydoped upper part of body-material portion 254 above line 256 outside phalo pocket 250 is indicated as p− upper body-material part 254U in FIG.12.

Channel zone 244 (not specifically demarcated in FIG. 11.1 or 12)consists of all the p-type monosilicon between source 240 and drain 242.In particular, channel zone 244 is formed by a surface-adjoining segmentof the p− upper part (254U) of main body-material portion 254 and (a)all of p halo pocket portion 250 if source 240 extends deeper than halopocket 250 as illustrated in the example of FIGS. 11.1 and 12 or (b) asurface-adjoining segment of halo pocket 250 if it extends deeper thansource 240. In any event, halo pocket 250 is more heavily doped p-typethan the directly adjacent material of the p− upper part (254U) ofbody-material portion 254 in channel zone 244. The presence of halopocket 250 along source 240 thereby causes channel zone 244 to beasymmetrically longitudinally graded.

A gate dielectric layer 260 at the t_(GdH) high thickness value issituated on the upper semiconductor surface and extends over channelzone 244. A gate electrode 262 is situated on gate dielectric layer 260above channel zone 244. Gate electrode 262 extends partially over source240 and drain 242. Dielectric sidewall spacers 264 and 266 are situatedrespectively along the opposite transverse sidewalls of gate electrode262. Metal silicide layers 268, 270, and 272 are respectively situatedalong the tops of gate electrode 262, main source portion 240M, and maindrain portion 242M.

N-type source 240 consists of a very heavily doped main portion 240M anda more lightly doped lateral extension 240E. Although more lightly dopedthan n++ main source portion 240M, lateral source extension 240E isstill heavily doped in sub-μm complementary IGFET applications such asthe present one. N-type drain 242 similarly consists of a very heavilydoped main portion 242M and a more lightly doped, but still heavilydoped, lateral extension 242E. N++ main source portion 240M and n++ maindrain portion 242M are normally defined by ion implantation of n-typesemiconductor dopant referred to as the n-type main S/D dopant,typically arsenic. External electrical contacts to source 240 and drain242 are respectively made via main source portion 240M and main drainportion 242M.

Lateral source extension 240E and lateral drain extension 242E terminatechannel zone 244 along the upper semiconductor surface. Gate electrode262 extends over part of each lateral extension 240E or 242E. Electrode262 normally does not extend over any part of n++ main source portion240M or n++ main drain portion 242M.

D2. Source/Drain Extensions of Asymmetric High-Voltage N-Channel IGFET

Drain extension 242E of asymmetric high-voltage IGFET 100 is morelightly doped than source extension 240E. However, the n-type doping ofeach lateral extension 240E or 242E falls into the range of heavy n-typedoping indicated by the symbol “n+”. Accordingly, lateral extensions240E and 242E are both labeled “n+” in FIGS. 11.1 and 12. As explainedfurther below, the heavy n-type doping in lateral source extension 240Eis normally provided by n-type dopant of higher atomic weight than then-type dopant used to provide the heavy n-type doping in lateral drainextension 242E.

N+ source extension 240E is normally defined by ion implantation ofn-type semiconductor dopant referred to as the n-type shallowsource-extension dopant because it is only used in definingcomparatively shallow n-type source extensions. N+ drain extension 242is normally defined by ion implantation of n-type semiconductor dopantreferred to as the n-type drain-extension dopant and also as the n-typedeep S/D-extension dopant because it is used in defining bothcomparatively deep n-type source extensions and comparatively deepn-type drain extensions.

N+ lateral extensions 240E and 242E serve multiple purposes. Inasmuch asmain source portion 240M and main drain portion 242M are typicallydefined by ion implantation, extensions 240E and 242E serve as buffersthat prevent gate dielectric layer 260 from being damaged during IGFETfabrication by keeping the very high implant dosage of main sourceportion 240M and main drain portion 242M away from gate dielectric 260.During IGFET operation, lateral extensions 240E and 242E cause theelectric field in channel zone 244 to be lower than what would arise ifn++ main source portion 240M and n++ main drain portion 242M extendedunder gate electrode 262. The presence of drain extension 242E inhibitshot carrier injection into gate dielectric 260, thereby preventing gatedielectric 260 from being charged. As a result, threshold voltage V_(T)of IGFET 100 is highly stable, i.e., does not drift, with operationaltime.

IGFET 100 conducts current from n+ source extension 240E to n+ drainextension 242E via a channel of primary electrons formed in thedepletion region along the upper surface of channel zone 244. In regardto hot carrier injection into gate dielectric layer 260, the electricfield in drain 240 causes the primary electrons to accelerate and gainenergy as they approach drain 240. Impact ionization occurs in drain 240to create secondary charge carriers, both electrons and holes, whichtravel generally in the direction of the local electric field. Some ofthe secondary charge carriers, especially the secondary electrons, movetoward gate dielectric layer 260. Because drain extension 242E is morelightly doped than main drain portion 242M, the primary electrons aresubjected to reduced electric field as they enter drain 242.Consequently, fewer hot (energetic) secondary charge carriers areinjected into gate dielectric layer 260. Hot carrier damage to gatedielectric 260 is reduced. Also, gate dielectric 260 undergoes reducedcharging that would otherwise undesirably cause drift in thresholdvoltage V_(T) of IGFET 100.

More particularly, consider a reference n-channel IGFET whose n-type S/Dzones each consist of a very heavily doped main portion and a morelightly doped, but still heavily doped, lateral extension. Compared tothe situation in which the source and drain extensions of the referenceIGFET are at substantially the same heavy n-type doping as in sourceextension 240E of IGFET 100, the lower n-type doping in drain extension242E causes the change in dopant concentration across the portion ofdrain junction 248 along drain extension 242E to be more gradual thanthe change in dopant concentration across the portion of thedrain-to-body pn junction along the drain extension in the referenceIGFET. The width of the depletion region along the portion of drain-bodyjunction 248 along drain extension 242E is thereby increased. Thiscauses the electric field in drain extension 242E to be further reduced.As a result, less impact ionization occurs in drain extension 242E thanin the drain extension of the reference IGFET. Due to the reduced impactionization in drain extension 242E, IGFET 100 incurs less damaging hotcarrier injection into gate dielectric layer 260.

In addition to being more lightly doped than n+ source extension 240E,n+ drain extension 242E extends significantly deeper than n+ sourceextension 240E. For an IGFET having lateral S/D extensions which aremore lightly doped than respective main S/D portions and which terminatethe IGFET's channel zone along the upper semiconductor surface, lety_(SE) and y_(DE) be respectively represent the maximum depths of theS/D extensions. Depth y_(DE) of drain extension 242E of IGFET 100 thensignificantly exceeds depth y_(SE) of source extension 240E.Drain-extension depth y_(DE) of IGFET 100 is normally at least 20%greater than, preferably at least 30% greater than, more preferably atleast 50% greater than, even more preferably at least 100% greater than,its source-extension depth y_(SE). Several factors lead to drainextension 242E extending significantly deeper than source extension240E.

Source extension 240E and drain extension 242E each reach a maximum (orpeak) n-type dopant concentration below the upper semiconductor surface.For an IGFET having lateral S/D extensions which are more lightly dopedthan respective main S/D portions of the IGFET's S/D zones, whichterminate the IGFET's channel zone along the upper semiconductorsurface, and which are defined by semiconductor dopant whose maximum (orpeak) concentrations occur along respective locations extendinggenerally laterally below the upper semiconductor surface, let y_(SEPK)and y_(DEPK) respectively represent the average depths at the locationsof the maximum concentrations of the extension-defining dopants for theS/D extensions. Maximum dopant concentration depths y_(SEPK) andy_(DEPK) for source extension 240E and drain extension 242E of IGFET 100are indicated in FIG. 12. Depth y_(SEPK) for source extension 240E isnormally 0.004-0.020 μm, typically 0.015 μm. Depth y_(DEPK) for drainextension 242E is normally 0.010-0.030 μm, typically 0.020 μm.

One factor which contributes to drain extension 242E extendingsignificantly deeper than source extension 240E is that, as indicated bythe preceding y_(SEPK) and y_(DEPK) values for IGFET 100, the ionimplantations for source extension 240E and drain extension 242E areperformed so that depth y_(DEPK) of the maximum n-type dopantconcentration in drain extension 242E significantly exceeds depthy_(SEPK) of the maximum n-type dopant concentration in source extension240E. Maximum drain-extension dopant concentration depth y_(DEPK) forIGFET 100 is normally at least 10% greater than, preferably at least 20%greater than, more preferably at least 30% greater than, its maximumsource-extension dopant concentration depth y_(SEPK).

Inasmuch as drain extension 242E is more lightly doped than sourceextension 240E, the maximum total n-type dopant concentration at depthy_(DEPK) in drain extension 242E is significantly less than the maximumtotal n-type dopant concentration at depth y_(SEPK) in source extension240E. The maximum total n-type dopant concentration at depth y_(DEPK) indrain extension 242E is normally no more than one half of, preferably nomore than one fourth of, more preferably no more than one tenth of, evenmore preferably no more than one twentieth of, the maximum total n-typedopant concentration at depth y_(SEPK) in source extension 240E. As aresult, the maximum net n-type dopant concentration at depth y_(DEPK) indrain extension 242E is significantly less than, normally no more thanone half of, preferably no more than one fourth of, more preferably nomore than one tenth of, even more preferably no more than one twentiethof, the maximum net n-type dopant concentration at depth y_(SEPK) insource extension 240E. Alternatively stated, the maximum total or netn-type dopant concentration at depth y_(SEPK) in source extension 240Eis significantly greater than, normally at least two times, preferablyat least four times, more preferably at least 10 times, even morepreferably at least 20 times, the maximum total or net n-type dopantconcentration at depth y_(DEPK) in drain extension 242E.

Two other factors that contribute to drain extension 242E extendingsignificantly deeper than source extension 240E involve p+ source-sidehalo pocket portion 250. The p-type dopant in halo pocket 250 impedesdiffusion of the n-type shallow source-extension dopant in sourceextension 240E, thereby reducing source-extension depth y_(SE). Thep-type dopant in halo pocket 250 also causes the bottom of sourceextension 240E to occur at a higher location so as to further reducesource-extension depth y_(SE).

The combination of drain extension 242E extending significantly deeperthan, and being more lightly doped than, source extension 240E causesthe n-type deep S/D-extension dopant in drain extension 242E to bespread out considerably more vertically than the n-type shallow sourceextension dopant in source extension 240E. Accordingly, the distributionof the total n-type dopant in drain extension 242E is spread outvertically considerably more than the distribution of the total n-typedopant in source extension 240E.

The current flowing from source to drain through an IGFET such as IGFET100 or the reference IGFET normally spreads out downward upon enteringthe drain. Compared to the situation in which the n-type dopantconcentrations in the source and drain extensions of the reference IGFETare doped substantially the same and extend to the same depth as sourceextension 240E, the increased depth of drain extension 242E enables thecurrent flow through drain extension 242E to be more spread outvertically than in the drain extension of the reference IGFET. Thecurrent density in drain extension 242E is thus less than the currentdensity in the drain extension of the reference IGFET.

The increased spreading of the total n-type dopant in drain extension242E causes the electric field in drain extension 242E to be less thanthe electric field in the drain extension of the reference IGFET. Lessimpact ionization occurs in drain extension 242E than in the drainextension of the reference IGFET. In addition, impact ionization occursfurther away from the upper semiconductor surface in drain extension242E than in the drain extension of the reference IGFET. Fewer hotcarriers reach gate dielectric 260 than the gate dielectric layer of thereference IGFET. As a result, the amount of hot carrier injection intogate dielectric layer 260 of IGFET 100 is reduced further.

Drain extension 242E extends significantly further laterally under gateelectrode 262 than does source extension 240E. For an IGFET havinglateral S/D extensions which are more lightly doped than respective mainS/D portions and which terminate the IGFET's channel zone along theupper semiconductor surface, let x_(SEOL) and x_(DEOL) represent theamounts by which the IGFET's gate electrode respectively overlaps thesource and drain extensions. Amount x_(DEOL) by which gate electrode 262of IGFET 100 overlaps drain extension 242E then significantly exceedsamount x_(SEOL) by which gate electrode 262 overlaps source extension240E. Gate-electrode overlaps x_(SEOL) and x_(DEOL) are indicated inFIG. 12 for IGFET 100. Gate-to-drain-extension overlap x_(DEOL) of IGFET100 is normally at least 20% greater, preferably at least 30%, morepreferably at least 50% greater, than its gate-to-source-extensionoverlap x_(SEOL).

The quality of the gate dielectric material near the drain-side edge ofgate electrode 262 is, unfortunately, normally not as good as thequality of the remainder of the gate dielectric material. Compared tothe situation in which the S/D extensions of the reference IGFET extendthe same amount below the gate electrode as source extension 240Eextends below gate electrode 262, the greater amount by which drainextension 242E extends below gate electrode 262 enables the current flowthrough drain extension 242E to be even more spread out vertically thanin the drain extension of the reference IGFET. The current density indrain extension 242E is further reduced. This leads to even less impactionization in drain extension 242E than in the drain extension of thereference IGFET. The amount of hot carrier injection into gatedielectric layer 260 is reduced even more. Due to the reduced doping,greater depth, and greater gate-electrode-to-source-extension overlap ofdrain extension 242E, IGFET 100 undergoes very little damaging hotcarrier injection into gate dielectric 260, thereby enabling thethreshold voltage of IGFET 100 to be very stable with operational time.

For an IGFET having main S/D portions respectively continuous with morelightly doped lateral source and drain extensions that terminate theIGFET's channel zone along the upper semiconductor surface, let y_(SM)and y_(DM) represent the respective maximum depths of the main sourceand drain portions. Depth y_(DM) of main drain portion 242M of IGFET 100is typically approximately the same as depth y_(SM) of main sourceportion 240M. Each of depths y_(SM) and y_(DM) for IGFET 100 is normally0.08-0.20 μm, typically 0.14 μm. Due to the presence of the p-typedopant that defines halo pocket portion 250, main source portion depthy_(SM) of IGFET 100 can be slightly less than its main drain portiondepth y_(DM).

Main source portion 240M of IGFET 100 extends deeper than sourceextension 240E in the example of FIGS. 11.1 and 12. Main source portiondepth y_(SM) of IGFET 100 therefore exceeds its source-extension depthy_(SE). In contrast, drain extension 242E extends deeper than main drainportion 242M in this example. Hence, drain-extension depth y_(DE) ofIGFET 100 exceeds its main drain portion depth y_(DM). Also, drainextension 242E extends laterally under main drain portion 242M.

Let y_(S) and y_(D) respectively represent the maximum depths of thesource and drain of an IGFET. Depths y_(S) and y_(D) are the respectivemaximum depths of the IGFET's source-body and drain-body pn junctions,i.e., source-body junction 246 and drain-body junction 248 for IGFET100. Since main source portion depth y_(SM) of IGFET 100 exceeds itssource-extension depth y_(SE) in the example of FIGS. 11.1 and 12,source depth y_(SM) of IGFET 100 equals its main source portion depthy_(SM). On the other hand, drain depth y_(D) of IGFET 100 equals itsdrain-extension depth y_(DE) in this example because drain extensiondepth y_(DE) of IGFET 100 exceeds its main drain portion depth y_(DM).

Source depth y_(S) of IGFET 100 is normally 0.08-0.20 μm, typically 0.14μm. Drain depth y_(D) of IGFET 100 is normally 0.10-0.22 μm, typically0.16 μm. Drain depth y_(D) of IGFET 100 normally exceeds its sourcedepth y_(S) by 0.01-0.05 μm, typically by 0.02 μm. In addition,source-extension depth y_(SE) of IGFET 100 is normally 0.02-0.10 μm,typically 0.04 μm. Drain-extension depth y_(DE) of IGFET 100 is0.10-0.22, typically 0.16 μm. Accordingly, drain-extension depth y_(DE)of IGFET 100 is typically roughly four times its source-extension depthy_(SE) and, in any event, is typically more than three times itssource-extension depth y_(SE).

D3. Different Dopants in Source/Drain Extensions of AsymmetricHigh-Voltage N-Channel IGFET

The n-type shallow source-extension dopant in source extension 240E ofasymmetric n-channel IGFET 100 and the n-type deep S/D-extension dopantin its drain extension 242E can be the same atomic species. Forinstance, both of these n-type dopants can be arsenic. Alternatively,both n-type dopants can be phosphorus.

The characteristics of IGFET 100, especially the ability to avoid hotcarrier injection into gate dielectric layer 260, are enhanced when then-type shallow source-extension dopant in source extension 240E ischosen to be of higher atomic weight than the n-type deep S/D-extensiondopant in drain extension 242E. For this purpose, the n-type deepS/D-extension dopant is one Group 5a element while the n-type shallowsource-extension dopant is another Group 5a element of higher atomicweight than the Group 5a element used as the n-type deep S/D-extensiondopant. Preferably, the n-type deep S/D-extension dopant is the Group 5aelement phosphorus while the n-type shallow source-extension dopant isthe higher atomic-weight Group 5a element arsenic. The n-type shallowsource-extension dopant can also be the even higher atomic-weight Group5a element antimony. In that case, the n-type deep S/D-extension dopantis arsenic or phosphorus.

An ion-implanted semiconductor dopant is characterized by a range and astraggle. The range is the average distance traveled by atoms of thedopant in the ion-implanted material. The straggle is the standarddeviation of the range. In other words, the straggle is the standardamount by which the actual distances traveled by the dopant atoms differfrom the average distance traveled by the dopant atoms. Due to itshigher atomic weight, the n-type shallow source-extension dopant hasless straggle than the n-type deep S/D-extension dopant at the same ionimplantation energy or at the same range in monosilicon.

Additionally, the higher atomic weight of the n-type shallowsource-extension dopant causes it to have a lower diffusion coefficientthan the n-type deep S/D-extension dopant. When subjected to the samethermal processing, the atoms of the n-type shallow source-extensiondopant diffuse less in the monosilicon of IGFET 100 than the atoms ofthe n-type deep S/D-extension dopant. The lower straggle and lowerdiffusion coefficient of the source-extension dopant cause the sourceresistance to be reduced. Consequently, IGFET 100 conducts more current.Its transconductance is advantageously increased.

The lower straggle and lower diffusion of the n-type deepsource-extension dopant also furnish source extension 240E with asharper dopant-concentration profile. This improves the interactionbetween halo pocket portion 250 and source extension 240E. Duringfabrication of multiple units of IGFET 100 according to substantiallythe same fabrication parameters, there is less variability from unit tounit and better IGFET matching. On the other hand, the higher straggleand greater diffusion of the n-type deep S/D-extension dopant providedrain extension 242E with a softer (more diffuse) dopant-concentrationprofile. The peak electric field in drain extension 242E is reduced evenfurther than described above. The high-voltage reliability of IGFET 100is improved considerably.

D4. Dopant Distributions in Asymmetric High-Voltage N-Channel IGFET

The presence of halo pocket portion 250 along source 240 of asymmetrichigh-voltage n-channel IGFET 100 causes channel zone 244 to beasymmetrically longitudinally dopant graded as described above. Thelower source-extension doping than drain-extension doping, the greaterdrain-extension depth than source-extension depth, and the greatergate-electrode-to-drain-extension overlap thangate-electrode-to-source-extension overlap provide IGFET 100 withfurther asymmetry. Body material 180 is, as described above, an emptywell. A further understanding of the doping asymmetries of IGFET 100 andthe empty-well doping characteristics of body material 180 isfacilitated with the assistance of FIGS. 13 a-13 c (collectively “FIG.13”), FIGS. 14 a-14 c (collectively “FIG. 14”), FIGS. 15 a-15 c(collectively “FIG. 15”), FIGS. 16 a-16 c (collectively “FIG. 16”),FIGS. 17 a-17 c (collectively “FIG. 17”), and FIGS. 18 a-18 c(collectively “FIG. 18”).

FIG. 13 presents exemplary dopant concentrations along the uppersemiconductor surface as a function of longitudinal distance x for IGFET100. The curves presented in FIG. 13 illustrate an example of theasymmetric longitudinal dopant grading in channel zone 244 and theS/D-extension symmetry arising from drain extension 242E extendingfurther under gate electrode 262 than source extension 240E.

FIGS. 14-18 present exemplary vertical dopant concentration informationfor IGFET 100. Exemplary dopant concentrations as a function of depth yalong an imaginary vertical line 274M through main source portion 240Mand empty-well main body-material portion 254 are presented in FIG. 14.FIG. 15 presents exemplary dopant concentrations as a function of depthy along an imaginary vertical line 274E through source extension 240Eand the source side of gate electrode 262. Exemplary dopantconcentrations as a function of depth y along an imaginary vertical line276 through channel zone 244 and main body-material portion 254 arepresented in FIG. 16. Vertical line 276 passes through a verticallocation between halo pocket portion 250 and drain 242. FIG. 17 presentsexemplary dopant concentrations as a function of depth y along animaginary vertical line 278E through drain extension 242E and the drainside of gate electrode 262. Exemplary dopant concentrations as afunction of depth y along an imaginary vertical line 278M through maindrain portion 242M and body-material portion 254 are presented in FIG.18.

The curves presented in FIGS. 14, 16, and 18 respectively for mainsource portion 240M, channel zone 244, and main drain portion 242Mprimarily illustrate an example of the empty-well doping characteristicsof body material 180 formed by main body-material portion 254 and halopocket portion 250. The curves presented in FIGS. 15 and 17 respectivelyfor source extension 240E and drain extension 242E primarily illustratean example of the S/D-extension asymmetry arising from drain extension242E being more lightly doped, and extending deeper, than sourceextension 240E. Inasmuch as the bottom of body material 180 at pnjunction 224 is considerably below the bottoms of source extension 240Eand drain extension 242E, FIGS. 15 and 17 are at a lesser depth scalethan FIGS. 14, 16, and 18.

FIG. 13 a specifically illustrates concentrations N_(I), along the uppersemiconductor surface, of the individual semiconductor dopants thatlargely define regions 136, 210, 240M, 240E, 242M, 242E, 250, and 254and thus establish the asymmetrical longitudinal dopant grading ofchannel zone 244 and the asymmetrical nature of the overlaps of gateelectrode 262 over source extension 240E and drain extension 242E. FIGS.14 a, 15 a, 16 a, 17 a, and 18 a specifically illustrate concentrationsN_(I), along imaginary vertical lines 274M, 274E, 276, 278E, and 278M,of the individual semiconductor dopants that vertically define regions136, 210, 240M, 240E, 242M, 242E, 250, and 254 and thus respectivelyestablish the vertical dopant profiles in (a) main source portion 240Mand the underlying material of empty-well main body-material portion254, (b) source extension 240E, (c) channel zone 244 and the underlyingmaterial of main body-material portion 254, i.e., outside halo pocketportion 250, (d) drain extension 242E, and (e) main drain portion 242Mand the underlying material of body-material portion 254.

Curves 210′, 240M′, 240E′, 242M′, and 242E′ in FIGS. 13 a, 14 a, 15 a,16 a, 17 a, and 18 a represent concentrations N_(I) (surface andvertical) of the n-type dopants used to respectively form deep n well210, main source portion 240M, source extension 240E, main drain portion242M, and drain extension 242E. Curves 136′, 250′, and 254′ representconcentrations N_(I) (surface and/or vertical) of the p-type dopantsused to respectively form substrate region 136, halo pocket 250, andempty-well main body-material portion 254. Items 246 ^(#), 248 ^(#) and224 ^(#) indicate where net dopant concentration N_(N) goes to zero andthus respectively indicate the locations of source-body junction 246,drain-body junction 248, and isolating pn junction 224 between p-typeempty main well region 180 and deep n well region 210.

Concentrations N_(T) of the total p-type and total n-type dopants inregions 240M, 240E, 242M, 242M, 250, and 254 along the uppersemiconductor surface are shown in FIG. 13 b. FIGS. 14 b, 15 b, 16 b, 17b and 18 b variously depict concentrations N_(T) of the total p-type andtotal n-type dopants in regions 136, 210, 240M, 240E, 242M, 242E, 250,and 254 along vertical lines 274M, 274E, 276, 278E, and 278M. Curvesegments 136″, 250″, and 254″ respectively corresponding to regions 136,250, and 254 represent total concentrations N_(T) of the p-type dopants.Item 244″ in FIG. 13 b corresponds to channel zone 244 and representsthe channel-zone portions of curve segments 250″ and 254″. Item 180″ inFIGS. 14 b, 15 b, 16 b, 17 b, and 18 b corresponds to empty-well bodymaterial 180.

Curves 240M″, 240E″, 242M″, and 242E″ in FIGS. 14 b, 15 b, 16 b, 17 band 18 b respectively correspond to main source portion 240M, sourceextension 240E, main drain portion 242M, and drain extension 242E andrepresent total concentrations N_(T) of the n-type dopants. Item 240″ inFIGS. 13 b and 14 b corresponds to source 240 and represents thecombination of curve segments 240M″ and 240E″. Item 242″ in FIGS. 13 band 18 b corresponds to drain 242 and represents the combination ofcurve segments 242M″ and 242E″. Items 246 ^(#), 248 ^(#), and 224# againrespectively indicate the locations of junctions 246, 248, and 224.Curve 210″ in FIG. 16 b is identical to curve 210′ in FIG. 16 a. Curve254″ in FIG. 17 b is nearly identical to curve 254′ in FIG. 17 a.

FIG. 13 c illustrates net dopant concentration N_(N) along the uppersemiconductor surface. Net dopant concentration N_(N) along verticallines 274M, 274E, 276, 278E, and 278M is presented in FIGS. 14 c, 15 c,16 c, 17 c and 18 c. Curve segments 250* and 254* represent netconcentrations N_(N) of the p-type dopant in respective regions 250 and254. Item 244* in FIG. 13 c represents the combination of channel-zonecurve segments 250* and 254* and thus presents concentration N_(N) ofthe net p-type dopant in channel zone 244. Item 180* in FIGS. 14 c, 15c, 16 c, 17 c, and 18 c corresponds to empty-well body material 180.

Concentrations N_(N) of the net n-type dopants in main source portion240M, source extension 240E, main drain portion 242M, and drainextension 242E are respectively represented by curve segments 240M*,240E*, 242M*, and 242E* in FIGS. 13 c, 14 c, 15 c, 16 c, 17 c, and 18 c.Item 240* in FIGS. 13 c and 14 c corresponds to source 240 andrepresents the combination of curve segments 240M* and 240E*. Item 242*in FIGS. 13 c and 18 c corresponds to drain 242 and represents thecombination of curve segments 242M* and 242E*.

The dopant distributions along the upper semiconductor surface, asrepresented in FIG. 13, are now considered in further examining thedoping asymmetries of IGFET 100 and the empty-well dopingcharacteristics of body material 180. Concentration N_(I) of the deep nwell dopant which defines deep n well 210 is so low, below 1×10¹⁴atoms/cm³, along the upper semiconductor surface that deep n well 210effectively does not reach the upper semiconductor surface. Accordingly,reference symbols 210′, 210″, and 210* representing concentrationsN_(I), N_(T), and N_(N) for deep n well 210 do not appear in FIG. 13. Inaddition, the deep n well dopant does not have any significant effect onthe dopant characteristics of source 240, channel zone 244, or drain 242whether along or below the upper semiconductor surface.

Concentration N_(I) along the upper semiconductor surface for the n-typemain S/D dopant used in defining main source portion 240M and main drainportion 242M is represented by curves 240M′ and 242M′ in FIG. 13 a. Then-type shallow source-extension dopant with concentration N_(I) alongthe upper semiconductor surface represented by curve 240E′ in FIG. 13 ais present in main source portion 240M. The n-type deep S/D-extensiondopant with concentration N_(I) along the upper semiconductor surfacerepresented by curve 242E′ in FIG. 13 a is present in drain extension242E. Comparison of curves 240M′ and 242M′ respectively to curves 240E′and 242E′ shows that the maximum values of concentration N_(T) of thetotal n-type dopant in source 240 and drain 242 along the uppersemiconductor surface respectively occur in main source portion 240M andmain drain portion 242M as respectively indicated by curve segments240M″ and 242M″ in FIG. 13 b.

The p-type background and empty main well dopants with concentrationsN_(I) along the upper semiconductor respectively represented by curves136′ and 254′ in FIG. 13 a are present in both source 240 and drain 242.In addition, the p-type source halo dopant with concentration N_(I)along the upper semiconductor surface represented by curve 250′ in FIG.13 a is present in source 240 but not in drain 242.

Comparison of FIG. 13 b to FIG. 13 a shows that upper-surfaceconcentrations N_(T) of the total n-type dopant in both source 240 anddrain 242, represented by curves 240″ and 242″ in FIG. 13 b, is muchgreater than the sum of upper-surface concentrations N_(I) of the p-typebackground, source halo, and empty main well dopants except close tosource-body junction 246 and drain-body junction 248. Subject to netdopant concentration N_(N) going to zero at junctions 246 and 248,upper-surface concentrations N_(T) of the total n-type dopant in source240 and drain 242 are largely respectively reflected in upper-surfaceconcentrations N_(N) of the net n-type dopant in source 240 and drain242 respectively represented by curve segments 240M* and 242M* in FIG.13 c. The maximum values of net dopant concentration N_(N) in source 240and drain 242 along the upper semiconductor surface thus respectivelyoccur in main source portion 240M and main drain portion 242M.

As further indicated by curve portions 240M* and 242M*, the maximumvalues of net dopant concentration N_(N) in n++ main source portion 240Mand n++ main drain portion 242M are approximately the same, normally atleast 1×10²° atoms/cm³, typically 4×10²⁰ atoms/cm³, along the uppersemiconductor surface. The maximum value of upper-surface concentrationN_(N) in main source portion 240M and main drain portion 242M surfacecan readily go down to at least as little as 1×10¹⁹−3×10¹⁹ atoms/cm³.Main source portion 240M can be doped slightly more heavily than maindrain portion 242M. The maximum value of net upper-surface dopantconcentration N_(N) in main source portion 240M then exceeds the maximumvalue of net upper-surface dopant concentration N_(N) in main drainportion 242M.

In moving from main source portion 240M along the upper semiconductorsurface to source extension 240E, concentration N_(T) of the totaln-type dopant in source 240 drops from the maximum value in main sourceportion 240M to a lower value in source extension 240E as shown bycomposite source curve 240″ in FIG. 13 b. Composite drain curve 242″similarly shows that concentration N_(T) of the total n-type dopant indrain 242 drops from the maximum value in main drain portion 242M to alower value in drain extension 242E in moving from main drain portion242M along the upper semiconductor surface to drain extension 242E. Thetwo lower N_(T) values in source extension 240E and drain extension 242Ediffer as described below.

Source extension 240E and drain extension 242E are, as mentioned above,normally defined by respective ion implantations of the n-type shallowsource-extension and deep S/D-extension dopants. With the ionimplantations being performed so that (a) the maximum total n-typedopant concentration at depth y_(SEPK) in source extension 240E isnormally at least twice, preferably at least four times, more preferablyat least 10 times, even more preferably at least 20 times, the maximumtotal n-type dopant concentration at depth y_(DEPK) in drain extension242E and (b) maximum dopant concentration depth y_(DEPK) of drainextension 242E is normally at least 10% greater than, preferably atleast 20% greater than, more preferably at least 30% greater than,maximum dopant concentration depth y_(SEPK) of source extension 240E,the maximum value of concentration of the n-type shallowsource-extension dopant, represented by curve 240E′, along the uppersurface of source extension 240E significantly exceeds the maximum valueof concentration N_(I) of the n-type deep S/D-extension dopant,represented by curve 242E′, along the upper surface of drain extension242E as shown in FIG. 13 a. The maximum value of upper-surfaceconcentration N_(I) of the n-type shallow source-extension dopant insource extension 240E is normally at least twice, preferably at leastthree times, more preferably at least five times, typically ten times,the maximum value of upper-surface concentration N_(I) of the n-typedeep S/D-extension dopant in drain extension 242E.

Concentration N_(I) of the p-type background dopant is so low comparedto both concentration N_(I) of the n-type shallow source-extensiondopant and to concentration N_(I) of the n-type deep S/D-extensiondopant that the ratio of concentration N_(I) of the n-type shallowsource-extension dopant to concentration N_(I) of the n-type deepS/D-extension dopant along the upper semiconductor surface issubstantially reflected in total dopant concentration N_(T) and netdopant concentration N_(N) as respectively shown in FIGS. 13 b and 13 c.As a result, the maximum value of concentration N_(N) of the net n-typedopant is significantly greater, normally at least twice as great,preferably at least three times as great, more preferably at least fivetimes as great, typically ten times as great, along the upper surface ofsource extension 240E than along the upper surface of drain extension242E. The maximum value of upper-surface concentration N_(N) in sourceextension 240E is normally 1×10¹⁹−2×10²⁰ atoms/cm³, typically 4×10¹⁹atoms/cm³. The corresponding maximum value of upper-surfaceconcentration N_(N) in drain extension 242E is then normally1×10¹⁸−2×10¹⁹ atoms/cm³, typically 4×10¹⁸ atoms/cm³.

Turning to the vertical dopant distributions through source extension240E and drain extension 242E respectively along vertical lines 274E and278E, vertical line 274E through source extension 240E is sufficientlyfar away from main source portion 240M that the n-type main S/D dopantwhich defines main source portion 240M does not have any significanteffect on total n-type dopant concentration N_(N) along line 274E. Curve240E′ in FIG. 15 a is thus largely identical to curve 240E″ which, inFIG. 15 b, represents concentration N_(T) of the total n-type dopant insource extension 240E. As a result, the depth at which concentrationN_(I) of the n-type shallow source-extension dopant reaches its maximumvalue along line 274E largely equals depth y_(SEPK) at the maximum valueof total n-type dopant concentration N_(T) in source extension 240E.

A small circle on curve 240E′ in FIG. 15 a indicates depth y_(SEPK) ofthe maximum value of concentration N_(I) of the n-type shallowsource-extension dopant in source extension 240E. The maximum N_(I)dopant concentration at depth y_(SEPK) in source extension 240E isnormally 1×10¹⁹-6×10²⁰ atoms/cm³, typically 1.2×10²⁰ atoms/cm³.

In a similar manner, vertical line 278E through drain extension 242E issufficiently far away from main drain portion 242M that the n-type mainS/D dopant which defines main drain portion 242M has no significanteffect on total n-type dopant concentration N_(N) along line 278E. Curve242E′ in FIG. 17 a is therefore largely identical to curve 242E″ which,in FIG. 17 b, represents concentration N_(T) of the total n-type dopantin drain extension 242E. Consequently, the depth at which concentrationN_(I) of the n-type deep S/D-extension dopant reaches its maximum valuealong line 274E is largely equal to depth y_(DEPK) of the maximum valueof total n-type dopant concentration N_(T) in drain extension 242E.

A small circle on curve 242E′ in FIG. 17 a similarly indicates depthy_(DEPK) of the maximum value of concentration N_(I) of the n-type deepS/D-extension dopant in drain extension 242E. The maximum N_(I) dopantconcentration at depth y_(DEPK) in drain extension 242E is 5×10¹⁷−6×10¹⁹atoms/cm³, typically 3.4×10¹⁸ atoms/cm³.

Curve 240E′ with the small circle to indicate depth y_(SEPK) of themaximum value of concentration N_(I) of the n-type shallowsource-extension dopant is repeated in dashed-line form in FIG. 17 a. Asindicated there, depth y_(DEPK) for drain extension 242E issignificantly greater than depth YSEPK for source extension 240E. FIG.17 a presents an example in which depth y_(DEPK) is over 30% greaterthan depth y_(SEPK).

FIG. 17 a also shows that the maximum value of concentration N_(I) ofthe n-type shallow source-extension dopant at depth y_(SEPK) in sourceextension 240E is significantly greater than the maximum value ofconcentration N_(I) of the n-type deep S/D-extension dopant at depthy_(DEPK) in drain extension 242E. In the example of FIGS. 15 and 17, themaximum concentration of the n-type shallow source-extension dopant atdepth y_(SEPK) is between 30 times and 40 times the maximumconcentration of the n-type deep S/D-extension dopant at depth y_(DEPK).

Small circles on curves 240E″ and 242E″ in FIGS. 15 b and 17 brespectively indicate depths y_(SEPK) and y_(DEPK). Curve 240E″ with thesmall circle to indicate depth y_(SEPK) is repeated in dashed-line formin FIG. 17 b. Since curves 240E″ and 242E′ are respectively largelyidentical to curves 240E′ and 242E′ in the example of FIGS. 15 and 17,the maximum concentration of the total n-type dopant at depth y_(SEPK)in source extension 240E in this example is between 30 times and 40times the maximum concentration of the total n-type dopant at depthy_(DEPK) in drain extension 242E.

Curves 240E* and 242E* which, in FIGS. 15 c and 17 c, represent netconcentration N_(N) of the net n-type dopant respectively in sourceextension 240E and drain extension 242E have respective small circles toindicate depths y_(SEPK) and y_(DEPK). Curve 240E* with the small circleto indicate depth y_(SEPK) is repeated in dashed-line form in FIG. 17 c.

Turning back briefly to FIG. 17 a, the distribution of the n-type deepS/D-extension dopant in drain extension 242E is spread out verticallyconsiderably more than the distribution of the n-type shallowsource-extension dopant in source extension 240E as shown by the shapesof curves 242E′ and 240F. With curves 242E″ and 240E″ being respectivelylargely identical to curves 242E′ and 240E′ in the example of FIGS. 15and 17, the distribution of the total n-type dopant along vertical line278E through drain extension 242E is likewise spread out verticallyconsiderably more than the distribution of the total n-type dopant alongvertical line 274E through source extension 240E as shown by curves242E″ and 240E″ in FIG. 17 b. As indicated in FIG. 17 c, this causesdepth y_(DE) of drain extension 242E to significantly exceed depthy_(SE) of source extension 240E. Drain-extension depth y_(DE) of IGFET100 is more than twice its source-extension depth y_(SE) in the exampleof FIGS. 15 and 17.

The n-type main S/D dopant which defines source 240 has a significanteffect on concentration N_(T) of the total n-type dopant in sourceextension 240E along an imaginary vertical line that passes throughsource extension 240E at a location suitably close to main sourceportion 240M and thus closer to source portion 240M than vertical line274E. Consequently, the depth at which concentration N_(I) of theshallow source-extension dopant reaches its maximum value along thatother line through source extension 240E may differ somewhat from depthy_(SEPK) of the maximum value of total n-type dopant concentration N_(T)in source extension 240E. Similarly, the n-type main S/D dopant whichdefines drain 242 has a significant effect on concentration N_(N) of thenet n-type dopant in drain extension 242E along an imaginary verticalline that passes through drain extension 242E at a location suitablyclose to main drain portion 242M and therefore closer to drain portion242M than vertical line 278E. The depth at which concentration N_(I) ofthe n-type deep S/D-extension dopant reaches its maximum value alongthat other line through drain extension 242E may likewise differsomewhat from depth y_(DEPK) of the maximum value of total n-type dopantconcentration N_(T) in drain extension 242E. Nevertheless, the total andnet dopant-concentration characteristics along lines 274E and 278E aregenerally satisfied along such other imaginary vertical lines until theyrespectively get too close to main S/D portions 240M and 242M.

Moving to channel zone 244, the asymmetric grading in channel zone 244arises, as indicated above, from the presence of halo pocket portion 250along source 240. FIG. 13 a indicates that the p-type dopant insource-side halo pocket 250 has three primary components, i.e.,components provided in three separate doping operations, along the uppersemiconductor surface. One of these three primary p-type dopantcomponents is the p-type background dopant represented by curve 136′ inFIG. 13 a. The p-type background dopant is normally present at a low,largely uniform, concentration throughout all of the monosiliconmaterial including regions 210, 240, 242, 250, and 254. Theconcentration of the p-type background dopant is normally 1×10¹⁴atoms/cm³, typically 4×10¹⁴ atoms/cm³.

Another of the three primary components of the p-type dopant in halopocket portion 250 along the upper semiconductor surface is the p-typeempty main well dopant represented by curve 254′ in FIG. 13 a. Theconcentration of the p-type empty main well dopant is also quite lowalong the upper semiconductor surface, normally 4×10¹⁶−2×10¹⁶ atoms/cm³,typically 6×10¹⁵ atoms/cm³. The third of these primary p-type dopingcomponents is the p-type source halo dopant indicated by curve 250′ inFIG. 13 a. The p-type source halo dopant is provided at a highupper-surface concentration, normally 5×10¹⁷−3×10¹⁸ atoms/cm³, typically1×10¹⁸ atoms/cm³, to define halo pocket portion 250. The specific valueof the upper-surface concentration of the p-type source halo dopant iscritically adjusted, typically within 5% accuracy, to set the thresholdvoltage of IGFET 100.

The p-type source halo dopant is also present in source 240 as indicatedby curve 250′ in FIG. 13 a. Concentration N_(I) of the p-type sourcehalo dopant in source 240 is typically substantially constant along itsentire upper surface. In moving from source 240 longitudinally along theupper semiconductor surface into channel zone 244, concentration N_(I)of the p-type source halo dopant decreases from the substantiallyconstant level in source 240 essentially to zero at a location betweensource 240 and drain 242.

With the total p-type dopant in channel zone 244 along the uppersemiconductor surface being the sum of the p-type background, empty mainwell, and source halo dopants along the upper surface, the total p-typechannel-zone dopant along the upper surface is represented by curvesegment 244″ in FIG. 13 b. The variation in curve segment 244″ showsthat, in moving longitudinally across channel zone 244 from source 240to drain 242, concentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant in zone 244along the upper surface drops largely from the essentially constantvalue of the p-type source halo dopant in source 240 largely to the lowupper-surface value of the p-type main well dopant at a location betweensource 240 and drain 242 and then remains at that low value for the restof the distance to drain 242.

Concentration N_(I) of the p-type source halo dopant may, in someembodiments, be at the essentially constant source level for part of thedistance from source 240 to drain 242 and may then decrease in thepreceding manner. In other embodiments, concentration N_(I) of thep-type source halo dopant may be at the essentially constant sourcelevel along only part of the upper surface of source 240 and may thendecrease in moving longitudinally along the upper semiconductor surfacefrom a location within the upper surface of source 240 to source-bodyjunction 246. If so, concentration N_(I) of the p-type source dopant inchannel zone 244 is decreases condition immediately after crossingsource-body junction 246 in moving longitudinally across zone 244 towarddrain 242.

Regardless of whether concentration N_(I) of the p-type source halodopant in channel zone 244 along the upper semiconductor surface is, oris not, at the essentially constant source level for part of thedistance from source 240 to drain 242, concentration N_(T) of the totalp-type dopant in zone 244 along the upper surface is lower where zone244 meets drain 242 than where zone 244 meets source 240. In particular,concentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant in channel zone 244 isnormally at least a factor of 10 lower, preferably at least a factor of20 lower, more preferably at least a factor of 50 lower, typically afactor of 100 or more lower, at drain-body junction 248 along the uppersemiconductor surface than at source-body junction 246 along the uppersurface.

FIG. 13 c shows that, as represented by curve 244*, concentration N_(N)of the net p-type dopant in channel zone 244 along the uppersemiconductor surface varies in a similar manner to concentration N_(T)of the total p-type dopant in zone 244 along the upper surface exceptthat concentration N_(N) of the net p-type dopant in zone 244 along theupper surface drops to zero at pn junctions 246 and 248. The source sideof channel zone 244 thus has a high net amount of p-type dopant comparedto the drain side. The high source-side amount of p-type dopant inchannel zone 244 causes the thickness of the channel-side portion of thedepletion region along source-body junction 246 to be reduced.

Also, the high p-type dopant concentration along the source side ofchannel zone 244 shields source 240 from the comparatively high electricfield in drain 242. This occurs because the electric field lines fromdrain 242 terminate on ionized p-type dopant atoms in halo pocketportion 250 instead of terminating on ionized dopant atoms in thedepletion region along source 240 and detrimentally lowering thepotential barrier for electrons. The depletion region along source-bodyjunction 246 is thereby inhibited from punching through to the depletionregion along drain-body junction 248. By appropriately choosing theamount of the source-side p-type dopant in channel zone 244,punchthrough is avoided in IGFET 100.

The characteristics of p-type empty main well region 180 formed withhalo pocket portion 250 and empty-well main body-material portion 254are examined with reference to FIGS. 14, 16, and 18. As with channelzone 244, the total p-type dopant in p-type main well region 180consists of the p-type background, source halo, and empty main welldopants represented respectively by curves 136′, 250′, and 254′ in FIGS.14 a, 16 a, and 18 a. Except near halo pocket portion 250, the totalp-type dopant in main body material portion 254 consists only of thep-type background and empty main well dopants.

As indicated above, p-type empty main well region 180 has a deep localconcentration maximum largely at average depth y_(PWPK) due to ionimplantation of the p-type empty main well dopant. This p-type localconcentration maximum occurs along a subsurface location that extendsfully laterally across well region 180 and thus fully laterally acrossmain body-material portion 254. The location of the p-type concentrationmaximum largely at depth y_(PWPK) is below channel zone 244, normallybelow all of each of source 240 and drain 242, and also normally belowhalo pocket portion 250.

Average depth y_(PWPK) at the location of the maximum concentration ofthe p-type empty main well dopant exceeds maximum depths y_(S) and y_(D)of source-body junction 246 and drain-body junction 248 of IGFET 100.Consequently, one part of main body-material portion 254 is situatedbetween source 240 and the location of the maximum concentration of thep-type empty main well dopant. Another part of body-material portion 254is similarly situated between drain 242 and the location of the maximumconcentration of the p-type empty main well dopant.

More particularly, main source portion depth y_(SM), source-extensiondepth y_(SE), drain-extension depth y_(DE), and main drain portion depthy_(DM) of IGFET 100 are each less than p-type empty main well maximumdopant concentration depth y_(PWPK). Since drain extension 242Eunderlies all of main drain portion 242M, a part of p-type empty-wellmain body-material portion 254 is situated between the location of themaximum concentration of the p-type empty main well dopant at depthy_(PWPK) and each of main source portion 240M, source extension 240E,and drain extension 242E. P-type empty main well maximum dopantconcentration depth y_(PWPK) is no more than 10 times, preferably nomore than 5 times, more preferably no more than 4 times, greater thandrain depth y_(D), specifically drain-extension depth y_(DE), for IGFET100. In the example of FIG. 18 a, depth y_(PWPK) is in the vicinity oftwice drain-extension depth y_(DE).

Concentration N_(I) of the p-type empty main well dopant, represented bycurve 254′ in FIG. 18 a, decreases by at least a factor of 10,preferably by at least a factor of 20, more preferably by at least afactor of 40, in moving from the location of the maximum concentrationof the p-type empty main well dopant at depth y_(PWPK) upward alongvertical line 278M through the overlying part of main body-materialportion 254 and then through drain 242, specifically through the part ofdrain extension 242E underlying main drain portion 242M and then throughmain drain portion 242M, to the upper semiconductor surface. FIG. 18 apresents an example in which concentration N_(I) of the p-type emptymain well dopant decreases by more than a factor of 80, in the vicinityof 100, in moving from the y_(PWPK) location of the maximumconcentration of the p-type empty main well dopant upward along line278M through the overlying part of main body-material portion 254 andthen through drain 242 to the upper semiconductor surface.

Taking note that item 248# represents drain-body junction 248, thedecrease in concentration N_(I) of the p-type empty main well dopant issubstantially monotonic by less than a factor of 10 and substantiallyinflectionless in moving from the location of the maximum concentrationof the p-type empty main well dopant at depth y_(PWPK) upward alongvertical line 278M to junction 248 at the bottom of drain 242,specifically the bottom of drain extension 242E. FIG. 18 a illustratesan example in which concentration N_(I) of the p-type empty main welldopant also decreases substantially monotonically in moving fromdrain-body junction 248 along line 278M to the upper semiconductorsurface. If some pile-up of the p-type empty main well dopant occursalong the upper surface of drain 242, concentration N_(I) of the p-typeempty main well dopant decreases substantially monotonically in movingfrom drain-body junction 248 along line 278M to a point no further fromthe upper semiconductor surface than 20% of maximum depth y_(D) ofjunction 248. As mentioned above, drain-body junction depth y_(D) equalsdrain-extension depth y_(DE) for IGFET 100.

Curve 180″, which represents total p-type dopant concentration N_(T) inp-type empty main well region 180, consists of segments 254″ and 136″ inFIG. 18 b. Curve segment 254″ in FIG. 18 b represents the combination ofthe corresponding portions of curves 254′ and 136′ in FIG. 18 a.Accordingly, curve segment 254″ in FIG. 18 b represents concentrationN_(N) of the sum of the p-type empty main well and background dopants inp-type body-material portion 254.

The p-type source halo dopant has little, if any, significant effect onthe location of the p-type concentration maximum at depth y_(PWPK).Concentration N_(I) of the p-type background dopant is very smallcompared to concentration N_(I) of the p-type empty main well dopantalong vertical line 278M through main drain portion 242M for depth y nogreater than y_(PWPK) as indicated by curves 136′ and 254′ in FIG. 18 a.The highest ratio of concentration N_(I) of the p-type background dopantto concentration N_(I) of the p-type empty main well dopant along line278M for depth y no greater than y_(PWPK) occurs at the uppersemiconductor surface where the p-type background dopant-to-p-type emptymain well dopant concentration ratio is typically in the vicinity of0.1. The total p-type dopant from depth y_(PWPK) along line 278M to theupper semiconductor surface thereby largely consists of the p-type emptymain well dopant. This enables concentration N_(T) of the total p-typedopant, represented by curve 180″ in FIG. 18 b, to have largely the samevariation along line 278M as concentration N_(I) of the p-type emptymain well dopant for depth y no greater than y_(PWPK).

Concentration N_(I) of the deep n well dopant, represented by curve 210′in FIG. 18 a, reaches a maximum value at depth y_(DNWPK) beyond the ydepth range shown in FIG. 18 a and decreases from that maximum (peak)value in moving toward the upper semiconductor surface. ConcentrationN_(N) of the net p-type dopant, represented by curve segment 180* inFIG. 18 c, reaches a maximum value at a subsurface location betweendrain-body junction 248 and isolating junction 224. The presence of thedeep n well dopant causes the location of the net p-type dopantconcentration maximum along vertical line 278M through main drainportion 242M to occur at an average depth slightly greater than depthy_(PWPK).

Concentration N_(I) of the n-type main S/D dopant used to define maindrain portion 242M reaches a maximum at a subsurface location in drainportion 242M as indicated by curve 242M′ in FIG. 18 a. Curve 242E′ inFIG. 18 a shows that the n-type deep S/D-extension dopant used to definedrain extension 242E is also present in main drain portion 242M. Sincedrain extension 242E extends deeper than main drain portion 242M,concentration N_(I) of the n-type deep S/D-extension dopant exceedsconcentration N_(I) of the n-type main S/D dopant in the portion ofdrain extension 242E underlying main drain portion 242E. ConcentrationN_(I) of the n-type deep S/D-extension dopant along vertical line 278Mthrough main drain portion 242M therefore provides a significantcontribution to concentration N_(T) of the total n-type dopant,represented by the combination of curve segments 242M″, 242E″, and 210″in FIG. 18 b, in the portion of drain extension 242E underlying maindrain portion 242M. Subject to going to zero at drain-body junction 248,concentration N_(N) of the net n-type dopant, represented by curve 242*in FIG. 18 c, along line 278M reflects the variation in concentrationN_(T) of the total n-type dopant along line 278M.

Referring to FIG. 16, the p-type dopant distributions along verticalline 276 which passes through channel zone 244 to the side ofsource-side halo pocket portion 250 are largely the same as the p-typedopant distributions along vertical line 278M through drain 242. Thatis, the p-type dopant encountered along line 276 consists of the p-typeempty main well and background dopants as indicated by curves 136′ and254′ in FIG. 16 a. Since concentration N_(I) of the p-type empty mainwell dopant reaches a maximum at depth y_(PWPK), concentration N_(T) ofthe total p-type dopant along line 276 reaches a maximum at depthy_(PWPK) as shown by curve 180″ in FIG. 16 b.

Vertical line 276 passes through deep n well 210. However, line 276 doesnot pass through source 240 or drain 242. None of the n-type S/D dopantshas any significant effect on the dopant distributions along line 276.Accordingly, concentration N_(I) of the p-type empty main well dopant orconcentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant decreases by at least afactor of 10, preferably by at least a factor of 20, more preferably byat least a factor of 40, in moving from depth y_(PWPK) upward alongvertical line 276 through channel zone 244 to the upper semiconductorsurface. In the particular example of FIGS. 16 and 18, concentrationN_(I) of the p-type empty main well dopant or concentration N_(T) of thetotal p-type dopant decreases by more than a factor of 80, in thevicinity of 100, in moving from depth y_(PWPK) along line 276 throughchannel zone 244 to the upper semiconductor surface. The comments madeabove about concentration N_(I) of the p-type empty main well dopant orconcentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant normally decreasingsubstantially monotonically in moving from depth y_(PWPK) along verticalline 278M to the upper semiconductor surface apply to moving from depthy_(PWPK) along vertical line 276 to the upper semiconductor surface.

The p-type background, source halo, and empty main well dopants are, asmentioned above, present in source 240. See curves 136′, 250′, and 254′in FIG. 14 a. As a result, the p-type dopant distributions alongvertical line 274M through source 240 may include effects of the p-typesource halo dopant as indicated by curve 250′ in FIG. 14 a and curvesegment 250″ in FIG. 14 b. Even though concentration N_(I) of the p-typeempty main well dopant decreases by at least a factor of 10 in movingfrom depth y_(PWPK) upward along vertical line 274M through theoverlying part of main body-material portion 254 and through source 240to the upper semiconductor surface, concentration N_(T) of the totalp-type well dopant may not, and typically does not, behave in thismanner in similarly moving from depth y_(PWPK) upward along line 274M tothe upper semiconductor surface.

As with concentration N_(I) of the n-type main S/D dopant in main drainportion 242M, curve 240M′ in FIG. 14 a shows that concentration N_(I) ofthe main S/D dopant in source 240 reaches a maximum at a subsurfacelocation in main source portion 240M. The n-type shallowsource-extension dopant used to define source extension 240E is, asshown by curve 240E′ in FIG. 14 a, also present in main source portion240M. However, concentration N_(I) of the n-type main S/D dopant is muchgreater than concentration N_(I) of the n-type shallow source-extensiondopant at any depth y along vertical line 274M through main sourceportion 240M. The combination of curve segments 240M″ and 210″representing concentration N_(T) of the total n-type dopant alongvertical line 274M in FIG. 14 b largely repeats curve 240M′ in FIG. 14a. Subject to going to zero at source-body junction 246, concentrationN_(N) of the net n-type dopant, represented by curve 240* in FIG. 14 c,along line 274M reflects the variation in concentration N_(T) of thetotal n-type dopant along line 274M.

D5. Structure of Asymmetric High-Voltage P-Channel IGFET

Asymmetric high-voltage p-channel IGFET 102 is internally configuredbasically the same as asymmetric high-voltage n-channel IGFET 100,except that the body material of IGFET 102 consists of n-type empty mainwell region 182 and deep n well region 210 rather than just an emptymain well region (180) as occurs with IGFET 100. The conductivity typesin the regions of IGFET 102 are generally opposite to the conductivitytypes of the corresponding regions in IGFET 100.

More particularly, IGFET 102 has a pair of p-type S/D zones 280 and 282situated in active semiconductor island 142 along the uppersemiconductor surface as shown in FIG. 11.1. S/D zones 280 and 282 areoften respectively referred to below as source 280 and drain 282 becausethey normally, though not necessarily, respectively function as sourceand drain. Source 280 and drain 282 are separated by a channel zone 284of n-type empty-well body material 182, i.e., portion 182 of total bodymaterial 182 and 210. N-type empty-well body material 182 forms (a) asource-body pn junction 286 with p-type source 280 and (b) a drain-bodypn junction 288 with p-type drain 282.

A moderately doped halo pocket portion 290 of n-type empty-well bodymaterial 182 extends along source 280 up to the upper semiconductorsurface and terminates at a location between source 280 and drain 282.FIG. 11.1 illustrates the situation in which source 280 extends deeperthan n source-side halo pocket 290. As an alternative, halo pocket 290can extend deeper than source 280. Halo pocket 290 then extendslaterally under source 290. Halo pocket 290 is defined with the n-typesource halo dopant.

The portion of n-type empty-well body material 182 outside source-sidehalo pocket portion 290 constitutes n-type empty-well body-materialportion 294. In moving from the location of the deep n-type empty-wellconcentration maximum in body material 182 toward the uppersemiconductor surface along an imaginary vertical line (not shown)outside halo pocket portion 290, the concentration of the n-type dopantin empty-well main body-material portion 294 drops gradually from amoderate doping, indicated by symbol “n”, to a light doping, indicatedby symbol “n−”. Dotted line 296 in FIG. 11.1 roughly represents thelocation below which the n-type dopant concentration in mainbody-material portion 294 is at the moderate n doping and above whichthe n-type dopant concentration in portion 296 is at the light n−doping.

Channel zone 284 (not specifically demarcated in FIG. 11.1) consists ofall the n-type monosilicon between source 280 and drain 282. Moreparticularly, channel zone 284 is formed by a surface-adjoining segmentof the n− upper part of empty-well main body material 294 and (a) all ofn halo pocket portion 290 if source 280 extends deeper than halo pocket290 as illustrated in the example of FIG. 11.1 or (b) asurface-adjoining segment of halo pocket 290 if it extends deeper thansource 280. In any event, halo pocket 290 is more heavily doped n-typethan the directly adjacent material of the n− upper part 294 of mainbody material 182 in channel zone 284. The presence of halo pocket 290along source 290 thereby causes channel zone 284 to be asymmetricallylongitudinally graded.

A gate dielectric layer 300 at the t_(GdH) high thickness value issituated on the upper semiconductor surface and extends over channelzone 284. A gate electrode 302 is situated on gate dielectric layer 290above channel zone 284. Gate electrode 302 extends partially over source280 and drain 282. Dielectric sidewall spacers 304 and 306 are situatedrespectively along the opposite transverse sidewalls of gate electrode302. Metal silicide layers 308, 310, and 312 are respectively situatedalong the tops of gate electrode 302, main source portion 280M, and maindrain portion 282M.

P-type source 280 consists of a very heavily doped main portion 280M anda more lightly doped lateral extension 280E. P-type drain 282 similarlyconsists of a very heavily doped main portion 282M and a more lightlydoped lateral extension 282E. Although respectively more lightly dopedthan p++ main source portion 280M and p++ main drain portion 282M,lateral source extension 280E and lateral drain extension 282E are stillheavily doped in the present sub-μm CIGFET application. Main sourceportion 280M and main drain portion 282M are normally defined by ionimplantation of p-type semiconductor dopant referred to as the p-typemain S/D dopant, typically boron. External electrical contacts to source280 and drain 282 are respectively made via main source portion 280M andmain drain portion 282M.

Lateral source extension 280E and lateral drain extension 282E terminatechannel zone 284 along the upper semiconductor surface. Gate electrode302 extends over part of each lateral extension 280E or 282E. Electrode302 normally does not extend over any part of p++ main source portion280M or p++ main drain portion 282M.

D6. Source/Drain Extensions of Asymmetric High-Voltage P-Channel IGFET

Drain extension 282E of asymmetric high-voltage p-channel IGFET 102 ismore lightly doped than source extension 280E. However, the p-typedoping of each lateral extension 280E or 282E falls into the range ofheavy p-type doping indicated by the symbol “p+”. Source extension 280Eand drain extension 282E are therefore both labeled “p+” in FIG. 11.1.

P+ source extension 280E is normally defined by ion implantation ofp-type semiconductor dopant referred to as the p-type shallowsource-extension dopant because it is only used in definingcomparatively shallow p-type source extensions. P+ drain extension 282Eis normally defined by ion implantation of p-type semiconductor dopantreferred to as the p-type deep drain-extension dopant and also as thep-type deep S/D-extension dopant because it is used in defining bothcomparatively deep p-type source extensions and comparatively deepp-type drain extensions. The p-type doping in source extension 280E anddrain extension 282E is typically provided by boron.

P+ lateral extensions 280E and 282E serve substantially the samepurposes in IGFET 102 as lateral extensions 240E and 242E in IGFET 100.In this regard, IGFET 102 conducts current from p+ source extension 280Eto p+ drain extension 282E via a channel of primary holes induced in thedepletion region along the upper surface of channel zone 284. Theelectric field in drain 280 causes the primary holes to accelerate andgain energy as they approach drain 280. Taking note that holes moving inone direction are basically electrons travelling away from dopant atomsin the opposite direction, the holes impact atoms in drain 280 to createsecondary charge carriers, again both electrons and holes, which travelgenerally in the direction of the local electric field. Some of thesecondary charge carriers, especially the secondary holes, move towardgate dielectric layer 300. Since drain extension 282E is more lightlydoped than main drain portion 282M, the primary holes are subjected toreduced electric field as they enter drain 282. As a result, fewer hot(energetic) secondary charge carriers are injected into gate dielectriclayer 300 so as to charge it. Undesirable drift of threshold voltageV_(T) of IGFET 102 is substantially reduced.

The lighter p-type doping in drain extension 282E than in sourceextension 280E causes IGFET 102 to incur even less hot carrier injectioninto gate dielectric layer 300 for the same reasons that IGFET 100incurs even less damaging hot carrier injection into gate dielectriclayer 260 as a result of the lighter n-type doping in drain extension242E than in source extension 240E. That is, the lighter drain-extensiondoping in IGFET 102 produces a more gradual change in dopantconcentration across the portion of drain junction 288 along drainextension 282E. The width of the depletion region along the portion ofdrain junction 288 along drain extension 282E is thereby increased,causing the electric field in drain extension 282E to be reduced. Due tothe resultant reduction in impact ionization in drain extension 282E,hot carrier injection into gate dielectric layer 300 is reduced.

Each of p+ source extension 280E and p+ drain extension 282E reaches amaximum (or peak) p-type dopant concentration below the uppersemiconductor surface. With source extension 280E and drain extension282E defined by ion implantation, source extension 280E is normally ofsuch a nature that there is an imaginary vertical line (not shown) whichextends through source extension 280E and which is sufficiently far awayfrom main source portion 280M that the p-type dopant which defines mainsource portion 280M does not have any significant effect on the totalp-type dopant concentration along that vertical line. As a result, thedepth at which the concentration of the p-type shallow source-extensiondopant reaches its maximum value along the vertical line largely equalsdepth y_(SEPK) at the maximum value of the total p-type dopantconcentration in source extension 280E. Depth y_(SEPK) for sourceextension 280E is normally 0.003-0.015 μm, typically 0.006 μm. Themaximum concentration of the p-type shallow source-extension dopant atdepth y_(SEPK) in source extension 280E is normally 6×10¹⁸−6×10¹⁹atoms/cm³, typically between 1.5×10¹⁹ atoms/cm³ and 2×10¹⁹ atoms/cm³.

Drain extension 282E is likewise normally of such a nature that there isan imaginary vertical line (not shown) which extends through drainextension 282E and which is sufficiently far away from main drainportion 282M that the p-type dopant which defines main drain portion282M has no significant effect on the total p-type dopant concentrationalong that vertical line. The depth at which the concentration of thep-type deep S/D-extension dopant reaches its maximum value along thevertical line through drain extension 282E normally largely equals depthy_(DEPK) at the maximum value of the total p-type dopant concentrationin drain extension 282E. As with depth y_(SEPK) of the maximumconcentration of the p-type shallow p-type source-extension dopant insource extension 280E, depth y_(DEPK) for drain extension 282E isnormally 0.003-0.015 μm, typically 0.006 μm.

The maximum concentration of the p-type deep S/D-extension dopant atdepth y_(DEPK) in drain extension 282E is normally 4×10¹⁸−4×10¹⁹atoms/cm³, typically between 1×10¹⁹ atoms/cm³ and 1.5×10¹⁹ atoms/cm³.This is somewhat lower than the maximum concentration, normally6×10¹⁸−6×10¹⁹ atoms/cm³, typically between 1×10¹⁹ atoms/cm³ and 2×10¹⁹atoms/cm³, of the p-type shallow source-extension dopant at depthy_(SEPK) in source extension 280E even though depth y_(SEPK) of thep-type deep S/D-extension dopant in drain extension 282E is typicallythe same as depth y_(SEPK) of the p-type shallow p-type source-extensiondopant in source extension 280E. The maximum concentration difference isindicative of drain extension 282E being more lightly doped than sourceextension 280E.

P+ drain extension 282E extends significantly deeper than p+ sourceextension 280E even though maximum concentration depth y_(DEPK) fordrain extension 282E is normally largely equal to maximum concentrationdepth y_(SEPK) for source extension 280E. In other words, depth y_(DE)of drain extension 282E of IGFET 102 significantly exceeds depth y_(SE)of source extension 280E. Drain-extension depth y_(DE) of IGFET 102 isnormally at least 20% greater than, preferably at least 30% greaterthan, more preferably at least 50% greater than, even more preferably atleast 100% greater than, its source-extension depth y_(SE).

Two primary factors lead to drain extension 282E extending significantlydeeper than source extension 280E. Both factors involve n+ source-sidehalo pocket portion 290. Firstly, the n-type dopant in halo pocketportion 290 slows down diffusion of the p-type shallow source-extensiondopant in source extension 280E so as to reduce source-extension depthy_(SE). Secondly, the n-type dopant in halo pocket 290 causes the bottomof source extension 280E to occur at a higher location, thereby furtherreducing source-extension depth y_(SE). Drain extension 282E can bearranged to extend further deeper than source extension 280E byperforming the ion implantations so that depth y_(DEPK) of the maximump-type dopant concentration in drain extension 282E exceeds depthy_(SEPK) of the maximum p-type dopant concentration in source extension280E.

In typical implementations of asymmetric IGFETs 100 and 102, the p-typesource halo dopant in p halo pocket portion 250 of n-channel IGFET 100is the same atomic species, normally boron, as the p-type shallowsource-extension dopant in p+ source extension 280E of p-channel IGFET102. Analogously, the n-type source halo dopant in n halo pocket portion290 of p-channel IGFET 102 is typically the same atomic species,normally arsenic, as the n-type shallow source-extension dopant in n+source extension 240E of n-channel IGFET 100.

An arsenic atom is considerably larger than a boron atom. As a result,the n-type dopant in halo pocket portion 290 of p-channel IGFET 102impedes diffusion of the p-type shallow source-extension dopant insource extension 280E considerably more than the p-type dopant in halopocket portion 250 of n-channel IGFET 100 slows down diffusion of then-type shallow source-extension dopant in source extension 240E. Thisenables IGFETs 100 and 102 to have comparable ratios of drain-extensiondepth y_(DE) to source-extension depth y_(SE) even though maximumconcentration depth y_(DEPK) for drain extension 282E of p-channel IGFET102 is normally largely the same as maximum concentration depth y_(SEPK)for source extension 280E whereas maximum concentration depth y_(DEPK)for drain extension 242E of n-channel IGFET 100 is considerably greaterthan maximum concentration depth y_(SEPK) for source extension 240E.

The distribution of the p-type deep S/D-extension dopant in drainextension 282E of p-channel IGFET 102 is spread out verticallysignificantly more than the distribution of the p-type shallowsource-extension dopant in source extension 280E. As a result, thedistribution of the total p-type dopant in drain extension 282E isspread out vertically significantly more than the distribution of thetotal p-type dopant in source extension 280E.

The greater depth of drain extension 282E than source extension 280Ecauses hot carrier injection into gate dielectric layer 300 of IGFET 102to be further reduced for largely the same reasons that IGFET 100 incursless hot electron injection into gate dielectric layer 260. Inparticular, the increased depth of drain extension 282E in IGFET 102causes the current through drain extension 282E to be more spread outvertically, thereby reducing the current density in drain extension282E. The increased spreading of the total p-type dopant in drainextension 282E causes the electric field in drain extension 282E to bereduced. The resultant reduction in impact ionization in drain extension282E produces less hot carrier injection into gate dielectric 300.

Drain extension 282E extends significantly further below gate electrode302 than does source extension 280E. Consequently, amount x_(DEOL) bywhich gate electrode 302 of IGFET 102 overlaps drain extension 282Esignificantly exceeds amount x_(SEOL) by which gate electrode 302overlaps source extension 280E. Gate-to-drain-extension overlap x_(DEOL)of IGFET 102 is normally at least 20% greater, preferably at least 30%greater, more preferably at least 50% greater, than itsgate-to-source-extension overlap x_(SEOL).

The greater overlap of gate electrode 302 over drain extension 282E thanover source extension 280E causes hot carrier injection into gatedielectric layer 300 of IGFET 102 to be reduced even further for thesame reasons that IGFET 100 incurs even less hot carrier injection intogate dielectric layer 260 as a result of the greater overlap of gateelectrode 262 over drain extension 242E than over source extension 240E.That is, the greater amount by which drain extension 282E of IGFET 102extends below gate electrode 302 enables the current flow through drainextension 282E to be even more spread out vertically. The currentdensity in drain extension 282E is further reduced. The resultantfurther reduction in impact ionization in drain extension 282E causeseven less hot carrier injection into gate dielectric layer 300. Due tothe reduced doping, greater depth, and greatergate-electrode-to-source-extension overlap of drain extension 282E,IGFET 102 undergoes very little hot carrier injection into gatedielectric 300. As with IGFET 100, the threshold voltage of IGFET 102 isvery stable with operational time.

Depth y_(DM) of main drain portion 282M of IGFET 102 is typicallyapproximately the same as depth y_(SM) of main source portion 280M. Eachof depths y_(SM) and y_(DM) for IGFET 102 is normally 0.05-0.15 μm,typically 0.10 μm. Due to the presence of the n-type dopant that defineshalo pocket portion 290, main source portion depth y_(SM) of IGFET 102can be slightly less than its main drain portion depth y_(DM).

Main source portion 280M of IGFET 102 extends deeper than sourceextension 280E in the example of FIG. 11.1. Main source portion depthy_(SM) of IGFET 102 thus exceeds its source-extension depth y_(SE). Incontrast, drain extension 282E extends deeper than main drain portion282M in this example. Consequently, drain-extension depth y_(DE) ofIGFET 102 exceeds its main drain portion depth y_(DM). Also, drainextension 282E extends laterally under main drain portion 282M.

Inasmuch as main source portion depth y_(SM) of IGFET 102 exceeds itssource-extension depth y_(SE) in the example of FIG. 11.1, source depthy_(S) of IGFET 102 equals its main source portion depth y_(SM). On theother hand, drain depth y_(D) of IGFET 102 equals its drain-extensiondepth y_(DE) in this example because drain-extension depth y_(DE) ofIGFET 102 exceeds its main drain portion depth y_(DM). Source depthy_(S) of IGFET 102 is normally 0.05-0.15 μm, typically 0.10 μm. Draindepth y_(D) of IGFET 102 is normally 0.08-0.20 μm, typically 0.14 μm.Drain depth y_(D) of IGFET 102 thereby normally exceeds its source depthy_(S) by 0.01-0.10 μm, typically by 0.04 μm. Additionally,source-extension depth y_(SE) of IGFET 102 is normally 0.02-0.10 μm,typically 0.06 μm. Drain-extension depth y_(DE) of IGFET 102 is0.08-0.20 μm, typically 0.14 μm. Accordingly, drain-extension depthy_(DE) of IGFET 102 is typically more than twice its source-extensiondepth y_(SE).

IGFET 102 employs deep n well region 210 in the implementation of FIG.11.1. Inasmuch as average deep n well maximum concentration depthy_(DNWPK) is normally 1.0-2.0 μm, typically 1.5 μm, average depthy_(DNWPK) for IGFET 102 is normally 5-25 times, preferably 8-16 times,typically 10-12 times its drain depth y_(D).

D7. Different Dopants in Source/Drain Extensions of AsymmetricHigh-Voltage P-Channel IGFET

Similar to how semiconductor dopants of different atomic weights areutilized to define source extension 240E and drain extension 242E ofasymmetric n-channel IGFET 100, the p-type shallow source-extensiondopant used to define source extension 280E of asymmetric p-channelIGFET 102 can be of higher atomic weight than the p-type deepS/D-extension dopant used to define drain extension 282E of IGFET 102.The p-type deep S/D-extension dopant is then normally one Group 3aelement while the p-type shallow source-extension dopant is anotherGroup 3a element of higher atomic weight than the Group 3a element usedas the p-type deep S/D-extension dopant. Preferably, the p-type deepS/D-extension dopant is the Group 3a element boron while candidates forthe p-type shallow source-extension dopant are the higher atomic-weightGroup 3a elements gallium and indium. The use of different dopants forS/D extensions 280E and 282E enables p-channel IGFET 102 to achievesimilar benefits to those achieved by n-channel IGFET 100 due to the useof different dopants for S/D extensions 240E and 242E.

D8. Dopant Distributions in Asymmetric High-Voltage P-Channel IGFET

Subject to the conductivity types being reversed, p-channel IGFET 102has a longitudinal dopant distribution along the upper semiconductorsurface quite similar to the longitudinal dopant distributions along theupper semiconductor surface for n-channel IGFET 100. Concentration N_(I)of the deep n well dopant which defines deep n well 210 is, as mentionedabove, so low along the upper semiconductor surface that deep n well 210effectively does not reach the upper semiconductor surface. As occurswith source 240, channel zone 244, and drain 242 of IGFET 100, the deepn well dopant does not have any significant effect on the dopantcharacteristics of source 280, channel zone 284, or drain 282 of IGFET102 whether along or below the upper semiconductor surface.

The maximum values of the net dopant concentration in source 280 anddrain 282 along the upper semiconductor surface respectively occur inp++ main source portion 280M and p++ main drain portion 282M. Inparticular, the maximum upper-surface values of the net dopantconcentration in main S/D portions 280M and 282M are approximately thesame, normally at least 1×10²⁰ atoms/cm³, typically 5×10²⁰ atoms/cm³.The maximum value of the net dopant concentration in main S/D portion280M or 282M along the upper semiconductor surface can go down to atleast as little as 1×10¹⁹−3×10¹⁹ atoms/cm³.

The p-type background dopant concentration is negligibly low compared tothe upper-surface concentrations of the p-type dopants which definesource extension 280E and drain extension 282E. The maximumupper-surface value of the net dopant concentration in each of sourceextension 280E and drain extension 282E is normally 3×10¹⁸−2×10¹⁹atoms/cm³, typically 9×10¹⁸ atoms/cm³.

The asymmetric grading in channel zone 284 arises, as indicated above,from the presence of halo pocket portion 290 along source 280. Then-type dopant in source-side halo pocket 290 has three primarycomponents, i.e., components provided in three separate dopingoperations, along the upper semiconductor surface. One of these threeprimary n-type dopant components is the deep n well dopant whoseupper-surface concentration is, as indicated above, so low at the uppersemiconductor surface that the deep n well dopant can be substantiallyignored as a contributor to the n-type dopant concentration along theupper semiconductor surface.

Another of the three primary components of the n-type dopant in halopocket portion 290 along the upper semiconductor surface is the n-typeempty main well dopant whose upper-surface concentration is quite low,normally 6×10¹⁵−6×10¹⁶ atoms/cm³, typically 1×10¹⁶ atoms/cm³. The thirdprimary component of the n-type dopant in halo pocket portion 290 is then-type source halo dopant whose upper-surface concentration is high,normally 4×10¹⁷−4×10¹⁸ atoms/cm³, typically 1×10¹⁸ atoms/cm³. The n-typesource halo dopant defines halo pocket 290. The specific value of theupper-surface concentration of the n-type source halo dopant iscritically adjusted, typically within 5% accuracy, to set the thresholdvoltage of IGFET 102.

The n-type source halo dopant is also present in source 280. Theconcentration of the n-type source halo dopant in source 280 istypically substantially constant along its entire upper surface. Inmoving from source 280 longitudinally along the upper semiconductorsurface into channel zone 284, the concentration of the n-type sourcehalo dopant drops from the substantially constant level in source 280essentially to zero at a location between source 280 and drain 282.Since the upper-surface concentration of the n-type empty main welldopant is small compared to the upper-surface concentration of thesource halo dopant, the concentration of the total n-type dopant inchannel zone 284 along the upper surface drops from the essentiallyconstant value of the n-type source halo dopant in source 280 largely tothe low upper-surface value of the n-type main well dopant at a locationbetween source 280 and drain 282 and then remains at that low value forthe rest of the distance to drain 282.

The concentration of the n-type source halo dopant may, in someembodiments, vary in either of the alternative ways described above forthe p-type source halo dopant in IGFET 100. Regardless of whether theconcentration of the n-type source halo dopant varies in either of thoseways or in the typical way described above, the concentration of thetotal n-type dopant in channel zone 284 of IGFET 102 along the uppersemiconductor surface is lower where zone 284 meets drain 282 than wherezone 284 meets source 280. More specifically, the concentration of thetotal n-type dopant in channel zone 284 is normally at least a factor of10 lower, preferably at least a factor of 20 lower, more preferably atleast a factor of 50 lower, typically a factor of 100 or more lower, atdrain-body junction 288 along the upper semiconductor surface than atsource-body junction 286 along the upper surface.

The concentration of the net n-type dopant in channel zone 284 along theupper semiconductor surface varies in a similar manner to theconcentration of the total n-type dopant in zone 284 along the uppersurface except that the concentration of the net n-type dopant in zone284 along the upper surface drops to zero at pn junctions 286 and 288.Hence, the source side of channel zone 284 has a high net amount ofn-type dopant compared to the drain side. The high source-side amount ofn-type dopant in channel zone 284 causes the thickness of thechannel-side portion of the depletion region along source-body junction286 to be reduced.

Similar to what occurs in IGFET 100, the high n-type dopantconcentration along the source side of channel zone 284 in IGFET 102causes the electric field lines from drain 282 to terminate on ionizedn-type dopant atoms in halo pocket portion 290 instead of terminating onionized dopant atoms in the depletion region along source 280 anddetrimentally lowering the potential bather for holes. Source 280 isthereby shielded from the comparatively high electric field in drain282. This inhibits the depletion region along source-body junction 286from punching through to the depletion region along drain-body junction288. Appropriately choosing the amount of the source-side n-type dopantin channel zone 284 enables IGFET 102 to avoid punchthrough.

Next consider the characteristics of n-type empty main well region 182formed with halo pocket portion 290 and n-type empty-well mainbody-material portion 294. As with channel zone 284, the total n-typedopant in n-type main well region 182 consists of the n-type empty mainwell and source halo dopants and the deep n well dopant. Except nearhalo pocket portion 290, the total n-type dopant in main body materialportion 294 consists only of the n-type empty main well and deep n welldopants. The n-type empty main well and deep n well dopants are alsopresent in both source 280 and drain 282. The n-type source halo dopantis present in source 280 but not in drain 282.

N-type empty main well region 182 has, as mentioned above, a deep localconcentration maximum which occurs at average depth y_(NWPK) due to ionimplantation of the n-type empty main well dopant. This n-type localconcentration maximum occurs along a subsurface location extending fullylaterally across well region 182 and thus fully laterally across mainbody-material portion 294. The location of the n-type concentrationmaximum at depth y_(NWPK) is below channel zone 284, normally below allof each of source 280 and drain 282, and also normally below halo pocketportion 290.

Average depth y_(NWPK) of the location of the maximum concentration ofthe n-type empty main well dopant exceeds maximum depths y_(S) and y_(D)of source-body junction 286 and drain-body junction 288 of IGFET 102.One part of main body-material portion 294 is therefore situated betweensource 280 and the location of the maximum concentration of the n-typeempty main well dopant. Another part of body-material portion 294 issituated between drain 282 and the location of the maximum concentrationof the n-type empty main well dopant.

More precisely, main source portion depth y_(SM), source-extension depthy_(SE), drain-extension depth y_(DE), and main drain portion depthy_(DM) of IGFET 102 are each less than n-type empty main well maximumdopant concentration depth y_(NWPK). Because drain extension 282Eunderlies all of main drain portion 282M, a part of n-type empty-wellmain body-material portion 294 is situated between the location of themaximum concentration of the n-type empty main well dopant at depthy_(NWPK) and each of main source portion 280M, source extension 280E,and drain extension 282E. Depth y_(NWPK) is no more than 10 times,preferably no more than 5 times, more preferably no more than 4 times,greater than drain depth y_(D), specifically drain-extension depthy_(DE), for IGFET 102.

The concentration of the n-type empty main well dopant decreases by atleast a factor of 10, preferably by at least a factor of 20, morepreferably by at least a factor of 40, in moving from the location ofthe maximum concentration of the n-type empty main well dopant at depthy_(NWPK) upward along a selected imaginary vertical line (not shown)through the overlying part of main body-material portion 294 and thenthrough drain 282, specifically through the part of drain extension 282Eunderlying main drain portion 282M and then through main drain portion282M, to the upper semiconductor surface.

The decrease in the concentration of the n-type empty main well dopantis substantially monotonic by less than a factor of 10 and substantiallyinflectionless in moving from the location of the maximum concentrationof the p-type empty main well dopant at depth y_(NWPK) upward along theselected vertical line to junction 288 at the bottom of drain 282,specifically the bottom of drain extension 282E. Again note thatdrain-body junction depth y_(D) equals drain-extension depth y_(DE) forIGFET 102. The concentration of the n-type empty main well dopanttypically decreases substantially monotonically in moving fromdrain-body junction 288 along the vertical line to the uppersemiconductor surface. If some pile-up of the n-type empty main welldopant occurs along the upper surface of drain 282, the concentration ofthe n-type empty main well dopant decreases substantially monotonicallyin moving from drain-body junction 288 along the vertical line to apoint no further from the upper semiconductor surface than 20% ofmaximum depth y_(D) of junction 288.

The n-type source halo dopant has little, if any, significant effect onthe location of the n-type concentration maximum at depth y_(NWPK).Referring briefly to FIG. 18 a, the horizontal axis of FIG. 18 a islabeled to indicate average p-type empty main well maximum concentrationdepth y_(PWPK). As mentioned above, the concentration of the deep n welldopant, represented by curve 210′ in FIG. 18 a, reaches a maximum valueat a depth beyond the y depth range shown in FIG. 18 a and decreasesfrom that maximum value in moving toward the upper semiconductorsurface.

Examination of FIG. 18 a in light of the fact that empty main wellmaximum concentration depths y_(NWPK) and y_(PWPK) are normally quiteclose to each other indicates that, at depth y_(PWPK) and thus at depthy_(NWPK), the concentration of the deep n well dopant is very smallcompared to the concentration of the n-type empty main well dopant. Inmoving from depth y_(NWPK) along the selected vertical line throughdrain 282 toward the upper semiconductor surface, the concentration ofthe deep n well dopant decreases in a such manner that the concentrationof the deep n well dopant continues to be very small compared to theconcentration of the n-type empty main well dopant at any value of depthy. Accordingly, the concentration of the total n-type dopant decreasesin substantially the same manner as the concentration of the n-typeempty main well dopant in moving from depth y_(NWPK) along that verticalline to the upper semiconductor surface.

The n-type empty main well and deep n well dopants are present in source280. Additionally, the n-type source halo dopant is normally presentacross part, typically all, of the lateral extent of source 280. As aconsequence, the n-type dopant distributions along a selected imaginaryvertical line through source 280 may include effects of the n-typesource halo dopant. Even though the concentration of the n-type emptymain well dopant decreases by at least a factor of 10 in moving fromdepth y_(NWPK) upward along that vertical line through the overlyingpart of main body-material portion 294 and through source 280 to theupper semiconductor surface, the concentration of the total n-type welldopant may not, and typically does not, behave in this manner insimilarly moving from depth y_(NWPK) upward along the vertical line tothe upper semiconductor surface.

D9. Common Properties of Asymmetric High-Voltage IGFETs

Looking now at asymmetric IGFETs 100 and 102 together, let theconductivity type of p-type empty-well body material 180 of IGFET 100 orn-type empty body material 182 of IGFET 102 be referred to as the“first” conductivity type. The other conductivity type, i.e., theconductivity type of n-type source 240 and drain 242 of IGFET 100 or theconductivity type of p-type source 280 and drain 282 of IGFET 102, isthen the “second” conductivity type. Accordingly, the first and secondconductivity types respectively are p-type and n-type for IGFET 100. ForIGFET 102, the first and second conductivity types respectively aren-type and p-type.

Concentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant in IGFET 100 decreases,as mentioned above, in largely the same way as concentration N_(I) ofthe p-type empty main well dopant in moving from depth y_(PWPK) alongvertical line 278M through drain 242 of IGFET 100 to the uppersemiconductor surface. As also mentioned above, the concentration of thetotal n-type dopant in IGFET 102 similarly decreases in largely the sameway as the concentration of the n-type empty main well dopant in movingfrom depth y_(NWPK) along a selected vertical line through drain 282 tothe upper semiconductor surface. Since the first conductivity type isp-type for IGFET 100 and n-type for IGFET 102, IGFETs 100 and 102 havethe general property that the concentration of the total dopant of thefirst conductivity type in IGFET 100 or 102 decreases by at least afactor of 10, preferably by at least a factor of 20, more preferably byat least a factor of 40, in moving from the subsurface location of themaximum concentration of the total dopant of the first conductivity typeat depth y_(PWPK) or y_(NWPK) upward along the vertical line through theoverlying main-body material and through drain 242 or 282 to the uppersemiconductor surface.

Additionally, the concentration of the total dopant of the firstconductivity type in IGFET 100 or 102 decreases substantiallymonotonically, typically by less than a factor of 10, and substantiallyinflectionlessly in moving from the location of the maximumconcentration of the total dopant of the first conductivity type atdepth y_(PWPK) or y_(NWPK) upward along the indicated vertical line todrain-body junction 248 or 288. In moving from drain-body junction 248or 288 along the vertical line to the upper semiconductor surface, theconcentration of the total dopant of the first conductivity type inIGFET 100 or 102 typically decreases substantially monotonically. Ifsome pile-up of the total dopant of the first conductivity type occursalong the upper surface of drain 242 or 282, the concentration of thetotal dopant of the first conductivity type decreases substantiallymonotonically in moving from drain-body junction 248 or 288 along thevertical line to a point no further from the upper semiconductor surfacethan 20% of maximum depth y_(D) of junction 248 or 288.

The preceding vertical dopant distributions features along a verticalline through drain 242 of IGFET 100 or drain 282 of IGFET 102 are notsignificantly impacted by the presence of the p-type background dopantin IGFET 100 or by the presence of the deep n well dopant in IGFET 102.In moving from depth y_(PWPK) or y_(NWPK) upward along a selectedvertical line through drain 242 or 282, the total dopant of the firstconductivity type can thus be well approximated as solely the empty mainwell dopant of empty-well body material 180 or 182. This approximationcan generally be employed along selected imaginary vertical linesextending through the drains of symmetric IGFETs 112, 114, 124, and 126,dealt with further below, which respectively utilize empty main wellregions 192, 194, 204, and 206.

Threshold voltage V_(T) of n-channel IGFET 100 is 0.5 V to 0.75 V,typically 0.6 V to 0.65 V, at a drawn channel length L_(DR) in thevicinity of 0.3 μm and a gate dielectric thickness of 6-6.5 nm.Threshold voltage V_(T) of p-channel IGFET 102 is −0.5 V to −0.7 V,typically −0.6 V, likewise at a drawn channel length L_(DR) in thevicinity of 0.3 μm and a gate dielectric thickness of 6-6.5 nm. IGFETs100 and 102 are particularly suitable for unidirectional-currentapplications at a high operational voltage range, e.g., 3.0 V.

D10. Performance Advantages of Asymmetric High-Voltage IGFETs

For good IGFET performance, the source of an IGFET should be as shallowas reasonably possible in order to avoid roll-off of threshold voltageV_(T) at short-channel length. The source should also be doped asheavily as possible in order to maximize the IGFET's effectivetransconductance in the presence of the source resistance. AsymmetricIGFETs 100 and 102 meet these objectives by using source extensions 240Eand 280E and configuring them to be respectively shallower and moreheavily doped than drain extensions 242E and 282E. This enables IGFETs100 and 102 to have high transconductance and, consequently, highintrinsic gain.

Drain extensions 242E and 282E enable asymmetric high voltage IGFETs 100and 102 to substantially avoid the injection of hot charge carriers attheir drains 242 and 282 into their gate dielectric layers 260 and 300.The threshold voltages of IGFETs 100 and 102 do not drift significantlywith operational time.

For achieving high-voltage capability and reducing hot carrierinjection, the drain of an IGFET should be as deep and lightly doped asreasonably possible. These needs should be met without causing theIGFET's on-resistance to increase significantly and without causingshort-channel threshold voltage roll-off. Asymmetric IGFETs 100 and 102meet these further objectives by having drain extensions 242E and 282Eextend respectively deeper than, and be more lightly doped than, sourceextensions 240E and 280E. The absence of a halo pocket portion alongdrain 242 or 282 further enhances the hot carrier reliability.

The parasitic capacitances of an IGFET play an important role in settingthe speed performance of the circuit containing the IGFET, particularlyin high-frequency switching operations. The use of retrograde empty wellregions 180 and 182 in asymmetric IGFETs 100 and 102 reduces the dopingbelow their sources 240 and 280 and their drains 242 and 282, therebycausing the parasitic capacitances along their source-body junctions 246and 286 and their drain-body junctions 248 and 288 to be reduced. Thereduced parasitic junction capacitances enable IGFETs 100 and 102 toswitch faster.

The longitudinal dopant gradings that source-side halo pocket portions250 and 290 respectively provide in channel zones 244 and 284 assists inalleviating V_(T) roll-off at short channel length by moving the onsetof V_(T) roll-off to shorter channel length. Halo pockets 250 and 290also provide additional body-material dopant respectively along sources240 and 280. This reduces the depletion-region thicknesses alongsource-body junctions 246 and 248 and enables IGFETs 100 and 102 toavoid source-to-drain punchthrough.

The drive current of an IGFET is its drain current I_(D) at saturation.At the same gate-voltage overdrive and drain voltage, asymmetric IGFETs100 and 102 normally have higher drive current than symmetriccounterparts.

As drain-to-source voltage V_(DS) of n-channel IGFET 100 is increasedduring IGFET operation, the resultant increase in the drain electricfield causes the drain depletion region to expand toward source 240.This expansion largely terminates when the drain depletion region getsclose to source-side halo pocket portion 250. IGFET 100 goes into asaturation condition which is stronger than in a symmetric counterpart.The configuration of IGFET 100 advantageously thus enables it to havehigher output resistance. Subject to reversal of the voltage polarities,p-channel IGFET 102 also has higher output resistance. IGFETs 100 and102 have increased transconductance, both linear and saturation.

The combination of retrograde well-dopant dopant profiles and thelongitudinal channel dopant gradings in IGFETs 100 and 102 provides themwith good high-frequency small-signal performance, and excellentlarge-signal performance with reduced noise. In particular, IGFETs 100and 102 have wide small-signal bandwidth, high small-signal switchingspeed, and high cut-off frequencies, including high peak values of thecut-off frequencies.

D11. Asymmetric High-Voltage IGFETs with Specially Tailored Halo PocketPortions

One of the benefits of providing an IGFET, such as IGFET 100 or 102,with a source-side halo pocket portion is that the increased doping inthe halo pocket causes the source-to-drain (“S-D”) leakage current to bereduced when the IGFET is in its biased-off state. The reduction in S-Dleakage current is achieved at the expense of some reduction in theIGFET's drive current. In an IGFET having a source-side halo pocketportion defined by a single ion implantation so that the resultantroughly Gaussian vertical dopant profile in the pocket portion reaches amaximum concentration along a single subsurface location, significantoff-state S-D current leakage can still occur at a location, especiallyalong or near the upper semiconductor surface, where the net dopantconcentration in the halo pocket is less than some minimum value.

The dosage used during the single ion implantation for defining the halopocket in the IGFET could be increased so that the net dopantconcentration in the halo pocket is above this minimum value along eachlocation where significant off-state S-D current leakage would otherwiseoccur. Unfortunately, the overall increased doping in the halo pocketwould undesirably cause the IGFET's drive current to decrease further.One solution to this problem is to arrange for the vertical dopantprofile in the halo pocket to be relatively flat from the uppersemiconductor surface down to the subsurface location beyond which thereis normally no significant off-state S-D current leakage. The IGFET'sdrive current is then maximized while substantially avoiding off-stateS-D current leakage.

FIGS. 19 a and 19 b respectively illustrates parts of variations 100Uand 102U of complementary asymmetric high-voltage IGFETs 100 and 102 inwhich source-side halo pocket portions 250 and 290 are respectivelyreplaced with a moderately doped p-type source-side halo pocket portion250U and a moderately doped n-type source-side halo pocket portion 290U.Source-side halo pocket portions 250U and 290U are specially tailoredfor enabling complementary asymmetric high-voltage IGFETs 100U and 102Uto have reduced S-D current leakage when they are in their biased-offstates while substantially maintaining their drive currents at therespective levels of IGFETs 100 and 102.

Aside from the special tailoring of the halo-pocket dopant distributionsin halo pocket portions 250U and 290U and the slightly modified dopantdistributions that arise in adjacent portions of IGFETs 100U and 102Udue to the fabrication techniques used to create the special halo-pocketdopant distributions, IGFETs 100U and 102U are respectively configuredsubstantially the same as IGFETs 100 and 102. Subject to having reducedoff-state S/D current leakage, IGFETs 100U and 102U respectively alsooperate substantially the same, and have the same advantages, as IGFETs100 and 102.

Turning specifically to n-channel IGFET 100U, the dopant distribution inits p halo pocket portion 250U is tailored so that the vertical dopantprofile of the p-type source halo pocket dopant along substantially anyimaginary vertical line extending perpendicular to the uppersemiconductor surface through halo pocket 250U to the side of n-typesource 240, specifically to the side of n+ source extension 240E, isrelatively flat near the upper semiconductor surface. One such imaginaryvertical line 314 is depicted in FIG. 19 a.

The substantial flatness in the vertical dopant profile of the p-typesource halo pocket dopant near the upper semiconductor surface of IGFET100U is achieved by arranging for concentration N_(I) of the p-typesource halo pocket dopant to reach a plural number M of localconcentration maxima at M different locations vertically spaced apartfrom one another along substantially any imaginary vertical line, suchas vertical line 314, extending through halo pocket 250U to the side ofn-type source 240. The M local maxima in concentration N_(I) of thep-type source halo dopant respectively occur along M locations PH-1,PH-2, . . . and PH-M (collectively “locations PH”) which progressivelybecome deeper in going from shallowest halo-dopant maximum-concentrationlocation PH-1 to deepest halo-dopant maximum-concentration locationPH-M.

Halo pocket portion 250U of IGFET 102U can be viewed as consisting of Mvertically contiguous halo pocket segments 250U-1, 250U-2, . . . and250U-M. Letting j be an integer varying from 1 to M, each halo pocketsegment 250U-j contains the p-type source halo dopant concentrationmaximum occurring along halo-dopant maximum-concentration location PH-j.Halo pocket segment 250U-1 containing shallowest halo-dopantmaximum-concentration location PH-1 is the shallowest of halo pocketsegments 250U-1-250U-M. Halo pocket segment 250U-M containing deepestmaximum-concentration location PH-1 is the deepest of segments250U-1-250U-M.

The p-type source halo dopant is typically the same atomic species inall of halo pocket segments 250U-1-250U-M. However, different species ofthe p-type source halo dopant can be variously present in halo pocketsegments 250U-1-250U-M.

Each halo-dopant maximum-concentration location PH-j normally arisesfrom only one atomic species of the p-type source halo dopant. In lightof this, the atomic species of the p-type source halo dopant used toproduce maximum-concentration location PH-j in halo pocket segment250U-j is referred to here as the jth p-type source halo dopant.Consequently, there are M numbered p-type source halo dopants which aretypically all the same atomic species but which can variously differ inatomic species. These M numbered p-type source halo dopants form theoverall p-type source halo dopant generally referred to simply as thep-type source halo dopant.

Plural number M of the local maxima in concentration N_(I) of the p-typesource halo dopant is 3 in the example of FIG. 19 a. Accordingly,segmented p halo pocket portion 250U in FIG. 19 a is formed with threevertically contiguous halo pocket segments 250U-1-250U-3 thatrespectively contain the p-type source halo dopant concentration maximaoccurring along halo-dopant maximum-concentration locations PH-1-PH-3.There are three numbered p-type source halo dopants, respectivelydenominated as the first, second, and third p-type source halo dopants,for respectively determining maximum-concentration locations PH-1-PH-3of halo pocket segments 250U-1-250U-3 in FIG. 19 a.

Halo-dopant maximum-concentration locations PH are indicated in dottedlines in FIG. 19 a. As shown by these dotted lines, each halo-dopantmaximum-concentration location PH-j extends into n-type source 240. Eachhalo-dopant maximum-concentration location PH-j normally extendssubstantially laterally fully across n++ main source portion 240M. Inthe example of FIG. 19 a, each halo-dopant maximum-concentration PH-jextends through n+ source extension 240E. However, one or more ofhalo-dopant maximum-concentration locations PH can extend below sourceextension 240E and thus through the underlying material of p halo pocketportion 250U. The extension of each halo-dopant maximum-concentrationlocation PH-j into source 240 arises from the way, described below, inwhich segmented halo pocket 250U is formed.

Each halo-dopant maximum-concentration location PH-j also extends intop-type empty-well main body-material portion 254, i.e., the portion ofp-type main well body-material region 180 outside of segmented halopocket portion 250U. This arises from the manner in which the boundarybetween two semiconductor regions, i.e., halo pocket 250U andbody-material portion 254 here, formed by doping operations to be of thesame conductivity type is defined above to occur, namely at the locationwhere the (net) concentrations of the dopants used to form the tworegions are equal.

The total p-type dopant in source-side halo pocket portion 250U of IGFET100U consists of the p-type background, empty main well, and source halodopants as described above for source-side halo pocket portion 250 ofIGFET 100. The M local maxima in concentration N_(I) of the p-typesource halo dopant along locations PH cause concentration N_(T) of thetotal p-type dopant in halo pocket 250U of IGFET 100U to reach Mrespectively corresponding local maxima along M respectivelycorresponding different locations in pocket 250U. As with locations PH,the locations of the M maxima in concentration N_(T) of the total p-typedopant in halo pocket 250U are vertically spaced apart from one anotheralong substantially any imaginary vertical line, e.g., vertical line314, extending perpendicular to the upper semiconductor surface throughpocket 250U to the side of source 240.

The locations of the M maxima in concentration N_(T) of the total p-typedopant in halo pocket portion 250U may respectively variously differfrom locations PH of the M maxima in concentration N_(I) of the p-typehalo dopant in pocket 250U. To the extent that these differences arise,they are normally very small. Accordingly, dotted lines PH in FIG. 19 aalso respectively represent the locations of the M concentration maximain concentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant in pocket 250U.Locations PH of the M concentration maxima in concentration N_(T) of thetotal p-type dopant in pocket 250U thus extend laterally into source 240and into p-type empty-well main body-material portion 254.

Similar comments apply to concentration N_(N) of the net p-type dopantin halo pocket portion 250U. Although some of the n-type shallowsource-extension dopant is present in halo pocket 250U, the M localmaxima in concentration N_(I) of the p-type source halo dopant alonglocations PH cause concentration N_(N) of the net p-type dopant inpocket 250U here to reach M respectively corresponding local maximaalong M respectively corresponding different locations in pocket 250U.Likewise, the locations of the M maxima in concentration N_(N) of thenet p-type dopant in pocket 250U are vertically spaced apart from oneanother along substantially any imaginary vertical line, e.g., againvertical line 314, extending perpendicular to the upper semiconductorsurface through pocket 250U to the side of source 240.

As with concentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant in halo pocketportion 250U, the locations of the M maxima in concentration N_(N) ofthe net p-type dopant in halo pocket 250U may respectively variouslydiffer slightly from locations PH of the M maxima in concentration N_(I)of the p-type halo dopant in pocket 250U. The portions of dotted linesPH shown as being present in pocket 250U in FIG. 19 a can then alsorespectively represent the locations of the M concentration maxima inconcentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant in pocket 250U.

An understanding of the flattening of the vertical dopant profile inhalo pocket portion 250U near the upper semiconductor surface isfacilitated with the assistance of FIGS. 20 a-20 c (collectively “FIG.20”) and FIGS. 21 a-21 c (collectively “FIG. 21”). Exemplary dopantconcentrations as a function of depth y along vertical line 314 throughhalo pocket 250U in the example of FIG. 19 a are presented in FIG. 20.FIG. 21 presents exemplary dopant concentrations as a function of depthy along vertical line 274E through source extension 240E of IGFET 100Uin the example of FIG. 19 a. Item y_(SH) is the maximum depth of halopocket 250U as indicated in FIG. 19 a.

FIGS. 20 a and 21 a specifically illustrate concentrations N_(I) (onlyvertical here) of the individual semiconductor dopants that largelydefine regions 136, 240E, 250U-1, 250U-2, 250U-3, and 254. Curves250U-1′, 250U-2′, and 250U-3′ represent concentrations N_(I) of thefirst, second, and third p-type source halo dopants used to respectivelydetermine maximum-concentration locations PH-1-PH-3 of halo pocketsegments 250U-1-250U-3.

Concentrations N_(T) (only vertical here) of the total p-type and totaln-type dopants in regions 180, 240E, 250U, and 254 are depicted in FIGS.20 b and 21 b. Curve portion 250U″ represents concentration N_(T) of thetotal p-type dopant in halo pocket portion 250U. With reference to FIGS.21 a and 21 b, item 246 ^(#) again indicates where net dopantconcentration N_(N) goes to zero and thus indicates the location of theportion of source-body junction 446 along source extension 240E.

FIGS. 20 c and 21 c present net dopant concentrations N_(N) (onlyvertical here) in p halo pocket portion 250U and n+ source extension240E. Curve portion 250U* represents concentration N_(N) of the netp-type dopant in halo pocket portion 250U.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 20 a, curves 250U-1′-250U-3′vertically representing concentrations N_(I) of the first, second, andthird p-type source halo dopants along vertical line 314 are of roughlyGaussian shape to a first-order approximation. Curves 250U-1′, 250U-2,and 250U-3′ reach peaks respectively indicated by items 316-1, 316-2,and 316-3 (collectively “peaks 316”). Lowest-numbered peak 316-1 is theshallowest peak. Highest-numbered peak 316-3, or peak 316-M in general,is the deepest peak.

The vertical spacings (distances) between consecutive ones of peaks 316in concentrations N_(I) of the numbered p-type source halo dopants arerelatively small. Also, the standard deviations for curves250U-1′-250U-3′ are relatively large compared to the peak-to-peakspacings. The depth of shallowest peak 316-1 is typically in thevicinity of one half of the average peak-to-peak spacing. The maximumvalues of concentrations N_(I) of the first through third p-type sourcehalo dopants at peaks 316 are normally close to one other, especially asvertical line 314 approaches source extension 240E. More particularly,concentrations N_(I) at peaks 316 are normally within 40%, preferablywithin 20%, more preferably within 10%, of one another.

Each peak 316-j is one point of location PH-j of the jth local maximumin concentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant in halo pocket portion250U along vertical line 314 as represented by curve portion 250U″ inFIG. 20 b. Because (a) the standard deviations for curves250U-1′-250U-3′ are relatively large compared to the spacings ofconsecutive ones of peaks 316, (b) the depth of shallowest peak 316-1 istypically in the vicinity of one half of the average peak-to-peakspacing, and (c) concentrations N_(I) of the first through third p-typesource halo dopants at peaks 316 are normally close to one another, thevariation in concentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant in halopocket 250U is normally relatively small in moving from the uppersemiconductor surface along line 314 to location PH-M, i.e., locationPH-3 in the example of FIG. 19 a, of the deepest of the p-type localconcentration maxima in halo pocket 250U. Consequently, the verticalprofile in concentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant in halo pocket250U is normally relatively flat in moving from the upper semiconductorsurface to deepest maximum-concentration location PH-M in pocket 250Ualong an imaginary vertical line, such as line 314, extending throughpocket 250U to the side of source extension 240E.

Concentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant in halo pocket portion250U normally varies by a factor of no more than 2, preferably by afactor of no more than 1.5, more preferably by a factor of no more than1.25, in moving from the upper semiconductor surface to location PH-M ofthe deepest of the local p-type concentration maxima in halo pocket 250Ualong an imaginary vertical line, such as vertical line 314, extendingthrough pocket 250U to the side of source extension 240E. As shown bycurve portion 250U″ in FIG. 20 b, the variation in concentration N_(T)of the total p-type dopant in halo pocket 250U is so small along such animaginary vertical line that halo-dopant maximum-concentration locationsPH, as respectively represented by peaks 316, are often barelydiscernible on a logarithmic concentration graph such as that of FIG. 20b.

Vertical line 314 extends, as indicated in FIG. 19 a, below halo pocketportion 250U and into the underlying material of empty-well bodymaterial 180. In addition, line 314 is chosen to be sufficiently farfrom n-type source 240, specifically n+ source extension 240E, thattotal n-type dopant concentration N_(T) at any point along line 314 isessentially negligible compared to total p-type dopant concentrationN_(T) at that point. Referring to FIG. 20 c, curve 180* representing netp-type dopant concentration N_(N) in body material 180 along line 314 isthereby largely identical to curve 180″ which, in FIG. 20 b, representstotal p-type dopant concentration N_(T) in body material 180 along line314. Consequently, portion 250U* of curve 180* in FIG. 20 c is largelyidentical to portion 250U″ of curve 180″ in FIG. 20 b.

In other words, the variation in concentration N_(N) of the net p-typedopant in halo pocket portion 250U is also relatively small in movingfrom the upper semiconductor surface along vertical line 314 to locationPH-M, again location PH-3 in the example of FIG. 19 a, of the deepest ofthe local p-type concentration maxima in halo pocket 250U. Analogous toconcentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant in halo pocket 250U,concentration N_(N) of the net p-type dopant in halo pocket 250Unormally varies by a factor of no more than 2, preferably by a factor ofno more than 1.5, more preferably by a factor of no more than 1.25, inmoving from the upper semiconductor surface to location PH-M of thedeepest of the local p-type concentration maxima in pocket 250U along animaginary vertical line, such as line 314, extending through pocket 250Uto the side of source extension 240E. The vertical profile inconcentration N_(N) of the net p-type dopant in halo pocket 250U is thusrelatively flat in moving from the upper semiconductor surface alongsuch an imaginary vertical line to deepest maximum-concentrationlocation PH-M in pocket 250U.

Concentrations N_(I) of the numbered p-type source halo dopants varyconsiderably in moving longitudinally through halo pocket portion 250Uwhile maintaining the general shape of the vertical profiles representedby curves 250U-1′-250U-3′. This can, as discussed further below, be seenby comparing FIG. 20 a to FIG. 21 a in which roughly Gaussian curves250U-1′-250U-3′ vertically representing concentrations N_(I) of thefirst, second, and third p-type source halo dopants along vertical line274E through source extension 240E and underlying material of halopocket 250U reach peaks respectively indicated by items 318-1, 318-2,and 318-3 (collectively “peaks 318”). Lowest-numbered peak 318-1 is theshallowest peak. Highest-numbered peak 318-3, or peak 318-M in general,is the deepest peak.

Each peak 318-j is one point of location PH-j of the jth local maximumin concentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant in n+ source extension240E or p halo pocket portion 250U along vertical line 274E asrepresented by curve portion 250U″ in FIG. 21 b. In the example of FIG.21 a, concentration N_(I) of the jth p-type source halo dopant at eachpeak 318-j is less than concentration N_(I) of the n-type shallowsource-extension dopant, represented by curve 240E′, at depth y of thatpeak 318-j. Since one or more of halo-dopant maximum-concentrationlocations PH can extend below source extension 240E, concentration N_(I)of the jth p-type source halo dopant at one or more of peaks 318 canexceed concentration N_(I) of the n-type shallow source-extension dopantat depth y of each of those one or more peaks 318.

In any event, curves 250U-1′-250U-3′ in FIG. 21 a bear largely the samerelationship to one another as curves 250U-1′-250U-3′ in FIG. 20 a. Thevariation in concentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant is thereforenormally relatively small in moving from the upper semiconductor surfacealong vertical line 274E to location PH-M, i.e., location PH-3 in FIG.19 a, of the deepest local p-type concentration maxima. As withconcentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant along line 314 extendingthrough halo pocket portion 250U, concentration N_(T) of the totalp-type dopant normally varies by a factor of no more than 2, preferablyby a factor of no more than 1.5, more preferably by a factor of no morethan 1.25, in moving from the upper semiconductor surface along line274E to location PH-M of the deepest of the local p-type concentrationmaxima. The vertical profile in concentration N_(T) of the total p-typedopant in is normally relatively flat from the upper semiconductorsurface along line 274 to deepest maximum-concentration location PH-M.

Concentrations N_(N) of the numbered p-type source halo dopants increasein moving laterally toward n+ source extension 240E due to the way inwhich halo pocket portion 250U is formed. This can be seen by comparingcurves 250U-1′-250U′3′ in FIG. 21 a respectively to curves250U-1′-250U-3′ in FIG. 20 a. Concentration N_(I) of the jth p-typesource halo dopant at each point 318-j of location PH-j intersectingline 274E in, or below, source extension 240 exceeds concentration N_(I)of the jth p-type source halo dopant at corresponding point 316-j oflocation PH-j intersecting line 314 in halo pocket 250U. As seen bycomparing curve portion 250U″ in FIG. 21 b to curve portion 250U″ inFIG. 20 b, concentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant at any pointalong the portion of line 274E extending through source extension 240Eand the underlying material of halo pocket 250U thereby exceedsconcentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant at the correspondingpoint along the portion of line 314 extending through pocket 250U.

In a variation of the special dopant distribution tailoring in halopocket portion 250U, concentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopantsimply varies by a factor of no more than 2, preferably by a factor ofno more than 1.5, more preferably by a factor of no more than 1.25, inmoving from the upper semiconductor surface along vertical line 314 to adepth y of at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, of depth y of halopocket 250U along line 314 without concentration N_(T) of the totalp-type dopant necessarily reaching multiple local maxima along theportion of line 314 in pocket 250U. The same applies to concentrationN_(N) of the net p-type dopant along vertical line 314 and toconcentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant along line an imaginaryvertical line, such as vertical line 274E, extending through sourceextension 240E and the underlying material of halo pocket 250U. Depth yof halo pocket 250U substantially equals its maximum depth y_(SH) alongline 274E but is less than maximum depth y_(SH) along line 314.

Ideally, concentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant andconcentration N_(N) of the net p-type dopant are substantially constantfrom the upper semiconductor surface along vertical line 314 down to adepth y of at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, of depth y of halopocket portion 250U along line 314. The same applies to concentrationN_(T) of the total p-type dopant along line an imaginary vertical line,such as vertical line 274E, extending through source extension 240E andthe underlying material of halo pocket 250U.

Doping halo pocket portion 250U in either of the foregoing ways enablesthe vertical dopant profile in halo pocket 250U to be relatively flatnear the upper semiconductor surface. As a result, less leakage currentflows between source 240 and drain 242 when IGFET 100U is in itsbiased-off state without sacrificing drive current.

Moving to p-channel IGFET 102U, the dopant distribution in its n halopocket portion 290U is similarly tailored so that the vertical dopantprofile of the n-type source halo pocket dopant along substantially anyimaginary vertical line extending perpendicular to the uppersemiconductor surface through halo pocket 290U to the side of p-typesource 280, specifically to the side of p+ source extension 280E, isrelatively flat near the upper semiconductor surface. The substantialflatness in the vertical dopant profile of the n-type source halo pocketdopant near the upper semiconductor surface is achieved by arranging forconcentration N_(I) of the n-type source halo pocket dopant to reach aplural number M of local concentration maxima at M different locationsvertically spaced apart from one another along such an imaginaryvertical line. The M local maxima in concentration N_(I) of the n-typesource halo dopant for p-channel IGFET 102U respectively occur along Mlocations NH-1, NH-2, . . . and NH-M (collectively “locations NH”) whichprogressively become deeper in going from shallowest halo-dopantmaximum-concentration location NH-1 to deepest halo-dopantmaximum-concentration location NH-M. Plural numbers M for IGFETs 100 and102 can be the same or different.

Analogous to the segmentation of halo pocket portion 250U of n-channelIGFET 100, halo pocket portion 290U of p-channel IGFET 102U can beviewed as consisting of M vertically contiguous halo pocket segments290U-1, 290U-2, . . . and 290U-M. Each halo pocket segment 290U-jcontains the n-type source halo dopant concentration maximum occurringalong halo-dopant maximum-concentration location NH-j. Halo pocketsegment 290U-1 containing shallowest halo-dopant maximum-concentrationlocation NH-1 is the shallowest of halo pocket segments 290U-1-290U-M.Halo pocket segment 290U-M containing deepest maximum-concentrationlocation NH-1 is the deepest of segments 290U-1-290U-M.

The n-type source halo dopant is typically the same atomic species inall of halo pocket segments 290U-1-290U-M. Different species of then-type source halo dopant can be variously present in halo pocketsegments 290U-1-290U-M, especially since phosphorus and arsenic aregenerally readily available as atomic species for n-type semiconductordopants.

Each halo-dopant maximum-concentration location NH-j normally arisesfrom only one atomic species of the n-type source halo dopant. For thisreason, the atomic species of the n-type source halo dopant used toproduce maximum-concentration location NH-j in halo pocket segment290U-j is referred to here as the jth n-type source halo dopant.Accordingly, there are M numbered n-type source halo dopants which aretypically all the same atomic species but which can variously differ inatomic species. These M numbered n-type source halo dopants form theoverall n-type source halo dopant generally referred to simply as then-type source halo dopant.

As in the example of FIG. 19 a, plural number M of local maxima inconcentration N_(I) of the n-type source halo dopant is 3 in the exampleof FIG. 19 b. Segmented n halo pocket 290U in the example of FIG. 19 bis thereby formed with three vertically contiguous halo pocket segments290U-1-290U-3 respectively containing the n-type source halo dopantconcentration maxima occurring along halo-dopant maximum-concentrationlocations NH-1-NH-3. There are three numbered n-type halo dopantsrespectively denominated as the first, second, and third n-type sourcehalo dopants for respectively determining maximum-concentrationlocations NH-1-NH-3 of halo pocket segments 290U-1-290U-3 in FIG. 19 b.

With the foregoing in mind, all the comments made about the dopantdistributions in segments 250U-1-250U-M of p halo pocket portion 250U ofn-channel IGFET 100U substantively apply respectively to segments290U-1-290U-M of n halo pocket portion 290U of p-channel IGFET 102U withhalo-dopant maximum-concentration locations NH of IGFET 102Urespectively replacing halo-dopant maximum-concentration locations PH ofIGFET 100U except as follows. Concentration N_(T) of the total n-typedopant in halo pocket portion 290U normally varies by a factor of nomore than 2.5, preferably by a factor of no more than 2, more preferablyby a factor of no more than 1.5, in moving from the upper semiconductorsurface to location NH-M of the deepest of the local p-typeconcentration maxima in halo pocket 290U along an imaginary verticalline extending through pocket 290U to the side of source extension 280E.The same applies to concentration N_(N) of the net n-type dopant in halopocket 290U along such an imaginary vertical line.

Similar to what occurs in n-channel IGFET 100U, the variation inconcentration N_(T) of the total n-type dopant in p-channel IGFET 102Uis normally relatively small in moving from the upper semiconductorsurface to location NH-M, i.e., location NH-3 in FIG. 19 b, of thedeepest local n-type concentration maxima along an imaginary verticalline extending through p+ drain extension 282E and through underlyingmaterial of n halo pocket portion 290U, e.g., an imaginary vertical lineextending through the source side of gate electrode 302. As withconcentration N_(T) of the total n-type dopant along an imaginaryvertical line extending through halo pocket 250U to the side of drainextension 282E, concentration N_(T) of the total n-type dopant normallyvaries by a factor of no more than 2.5, preferably by a factor of nomore than 2, more preferably by a factor of no more than 1.5, even morepreferably by a factor of no more than 1.25, in moving from the uppersemiconductor surface to location NH-M of the deepest of the localn-type concentration maxima along a vertical line extending throughdrain extension 282E and through the underlying material of halo pocket290U. The vertical profile in concentration N_(T) of the total n-typedopant in is normally relatively flat from the upper semiconductorsurface along that vertical line to deepest maximum-concentrationlocation NH-M.

As a variation similar to that described above for n-channel IGFET 100U,concentration N_(T) of the total n-type dopant in IGFET 102U simplyvaries by a factor of no more than 2.5, preferably by a factor of nomore than 2, more preferably by a factor of no more than 1.5, even morepreferably by a factor of no more than 1.25, in moving from the uppersemiconductor surface along an imaginary vertical line extending throughhalo pocket portion 290U to the side of source extension 280E to a depthy of at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, of depth y of halo pocketportion 290U without concentration N_(T) of the total n-type dopantnecessarily reaching multiple local maxima along the portion of thatvertical line in halo pocket 290U. The same applies to concentrationN_(N) of the net n-type dopant along that vertical line and toconcentration N_(T) of the total n-type dopant along line an imaginaryvertical line extending through source extension 280E and the underlyingmaterial of halo pocket 290U. Depth y of halo pocket 290U substantiallyequals its maximum depth y_(SH) along an imaginary vertical lineextending through source extension 280E and through the source side ofgate electrode 302 but is less than maximum depth along an imaginaryvertical line through pocket 290U to the side of source extension 280E.

Ideally, concentration N_(T) of the total n-type dopant andconcentration N_(N) of the net n-type dopant are substantially constantfrom the upper semiconductor surface along an imaginary vertical linethrough halo pocket portion 290U to the side of source extension 280Edown to a depth y of at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, of depth yof halo pocket portion 290U along that vertical line. The same appliesto concentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant along line animaginary vertical line extending through source extension 280E and theunderlying material of halo pocket 290U.

Doping halo pocket portion 290U of p-channel IGFET 102U in the wayarising from the preceding dopant distributions enables the verticaldopant profile in halo pocket 290U to be relatively flat near the uppersemiconductor surface. A reduced amount of leakage current flows betweensource 280 and drain 282 of IGFET 102U when it is in its biased-offstate. Importantly, the IGFET's drive current is maintained.

The principles of tailoring the vertical dopant profile in a source-sidehalo pocket portion are, of course, applicable to asymmetric IGFETsother than IGFETs 100U and 102U. Although one way of tailoring thedopant distribution in a source-side halo pocket of an asymmetric IGFETis to arrange for the vertical dopant profile in the halo pocket to berelatively flat from the upper semiconductor surface down to thesubsurface location beyond which there is normally no significantoff-state S-D current leakage, the vertical dopant distribution can betailored in other location-dependent ways depending on thecharacteristics of the IGFET, particularly its source. For instance, thevertical dopant profile in the halo pocket can reach a plurality oflocal concentration maxima whose values are chosen so that the variationof the net dopant concentration in the halo pocket as a function ofdepth near the upper surface approximates a selected non-straight curvealong an imaginary straight line through the halo pocket.

E. Extended-Drain IGFETs

E1. Structure of Extended-Drain N-Channel IGFET

The internal structure of asymmetric extended-drain extended-voltagecomplementary IGFETs 104 and 106 is described next. Expanded views ofthe cores of IGFETs 104 and 106 as depicted in FIG. 11.2 arerespectively shown in FIGS. 22 a and 22 b.

Starting with n-channel IGFET 104, it has an n-type first S/D zone 320situated in active semiconductor island 144A along the uppersemiconductor surface as shown in FIGS. 11.2 and 22 a. Empty main well184B constitutes an n-type second S/D zone for IGFET 104. S/D zones 320and 184B are often respectively referred to below as source 320 anddrain 184B because they normally, though not necessarily, respectivelyfunction as source and drain.

Source 320 and drain 184B are separated by a channel zone 322 of p-typebody material formed with p-type empty main well region 184A and p−substrate region 136. P-type empty-well body material 184A, i.e.,portion 184A of total body material 184A and 136, forms a source-body pnjunction 324 with n-type source 320. Pn junction 226 between n-typeempty-well drain 184B and p-substrate region 136 is the drain-bodyjunction for IGFET 104. Empty main well regions 184A and 184B are oftenrespectively described below as empty-well body material 184A andempty-well drain 184B in order to clarify the functions of empty wells184A and 184B.

N-type source 320 consists of a very heavily doped main portion 320M anda more lightly doped lateral extension 320E. External electrical contactto source 320 is made via n++ main source portion 320M. Although morelightly doped than main source portion 320M, lateral source extension320E is still heavily doped in the present sub-μm CIGFET application. N+source extension 320E terminates channel zone 322 along the uppersemiconductor surface at the source side of IGFET 104.

N++ main source portion 320M extends deeper than source extension 320E.Accordingly, the maximum depth y_(S) of source 320 is the maximum depthy_(SM) of main source portion 320M. Maximum source depth y_(S) for IGFET104 is indicated in FIG. 22 a. Main source portion 320M and sourceextension 320E are respectively defined with the n-type main S/D andshallow source-extension dopants.

A moderately doped halo pocket portion 326 of p-type empty-well bodymaterial 184A extends along source 320 up to the upper semiconductorsurface and terminates at a location within body material 184A and thusbetween source 320 and drain 184B. FIGS. 11.2 and 22 a illustrate thesituation in which source 320, specifically main source portion 320M,extends deeper than p source-side halo pocket 326. Alternatively, halopocket 326 can extend deeper than source 320. Halo pocket 326 thenextends laterally under source 320. Halo pocket 326 is defined with thep-type source halo dopant.

The portion of p-type empty-well body material 184A outside source-sidehalo pocket portion 326 is indicated as item 328 in FIGS. 11.2 and 22 a.In moving from the location of the deep p-type empty-well concentrationmaximum in body material 184A toward the upper semiconductor surfacealong an imaginary vertical line 330 through channel zone 322 outsidehalo pocket 326, the concentration of the p-type dopant in empty-wellbody-material portion 328 drops gradually from a moderate doping,indicated by symbol “p”, to a light doping, indicated by symbol “p−”.Dotted line 332 (only labeled in FIG. 22 a) roughly represents thelocation below which the p-type dopant concentration in body-materialportion 328 is at the moderate p doping and above which the p-typedopant concentration in portion 328 is at the light p− doping. Themoderately doped part of body-material portion 328 below line 332 isindicated as p lower body-material part 328L in FIG. 22 a. The lightlydoped part of body-material portion 328 above line 332 is indicated asp− upper body-material part 328U in FIG. 22 a.

The p-type dopant in p-type empty-well body-material portion 328consists of the p-type empty main well dopant, the p-type backgrounddopant of p− substrate region 136, and (near p halo pocket portion 326)the p-type source halo dopant. The concentration of the p-typebackground dopant is largely constant throughout the semiconductor body.Since the p-type empty main well dopant in p-type empty-well bodymaterial 184A reaches a deep subsurface concentration maximum along asubsurface location at average depth y_(PWPK), the presence of thep-type empty main well dopant in body-material portion 328 causes theconcentration of the total p-type dopant in portion 328 to reach a deeplocal subsurface concentration maximum substantially at the location ofthe deep subsurface concentration maximum in body material 184A. Thedeep subsurface concentration maximum in body-material portion 328, asindicated by the left-hand dash-and-double-dot line labeled “MAX” inFIG. 22 a, extends laterally below the upper semiconductor surface andlikewise occurs at average depth y_(PWPK). The occurrence of the deepsubsurface concentration maximum in body-material portion 328 causes itto bulge laterally outward. The maximum bulge in body-material portion328, and thus in body material 184A, occurs along the location of thedeep subsurface concentration maximum in portion 328 of body material184A.

N-type empty-well drain 184B includes a very heavily doped externalcontact portion 334 situated in active semiconductor island 144B alongthe upper semiconductor surface. N++ external drain contact portion 334is sometimes referred to here as the main drain portion because, similarto main source portion 320M, drain contact portion 334 is very heavilydoped, is spaced apart from channel zone 332, and is used in makingexternal electrical contact to IGFET 104. The portion of drain 184Boutside n++ external drain contact portion/main drain portion 334 isindicated as item 336 in FIGS. 11.2 and 22 a.

In moving from the location of the deep n-type empty-well concentrationmaximum in drain 184B toward the upper semiconductor surface along animaginary vertical line 338 through island 144B, the concentration ofthe n-type dopant in drain 184B drops gradually from a moderate doping,indicated by symbol “n”, to a light doping, indicated by symbol “n−”.Dotted line 340 (only labeled in FIG. 22 a) roughly represents thelocation below which the n-type dopant concentration in empty-well drainportion 336 is at the moderate n doping and above which the n-typedopant concentration in portion 336 is at the light n− doping. Themoderately doped part of drain portion 336 below line 340 is indicatedas n lower empty-well drain part 336L in FIG. 22 a. The lightly dopedpart of drain portion 336 above line 340 is indicated as n− upperempty-well drain part 336U in FIG. 22 a.

The n-type dopant in n-type empty-well drain portion 336 consists of then-type empty main well dopant and (near n++ drain contact portion 334)the n-type main S/D dopant utilized, as described below, to form draincontact portion 334. Because the n-type empty main well dopant in n-typeempty-well drain 184B reaches a deep subsurface concentration maximum ataverage depth y_(NWPK), the presence of the n-type empty main welldopant in drain portion 336 causes the concentration of the total n-typedopant in portion 336 to reach a deep local subsurface concentrationmaximum substantially at the location of the deep subsurfaceconcentration maximum in well 184B. The deep subsurface concentrationmaximum in drain portion 336, as indicated by the right-handdash-and-double-dot line labeled “MAX” in FIG. 22 a, extends laterallybelow the upper semiconductor surface and likewise occurs at averagedepth y_(NWPK). The occurrence of the deep subsurface concentrationmaximum in empty-well drain portion 336 causes it to bulge laterallyoutward. The maximum bulge in drain portion 336, and therefore inempty-well drain 184B, occurs along the location of the deep subsurfaceconcentration maximum in portion 336 of drain 184B.

A surface-adjoining portion 136A of p− substrate region 136 laterallyseparates empty-well body material 184A, specifically empty-wellbody-material portion 328, and empty-well drain 184B, specificallyempty-well drain portion 336. Letting L_(WW) represent the minimumseparation distance between a pair of complementary (p-type and n-type)empty main wells of an extended drain IGFET such as IGFET 104, FIG. 22 aindicates that minimum well-to-well separation distance L_(WW) betweenempty-well body material 184A and empty-well drain 184B occurs generallyalong the locations of their maximum lateral bulges. This arises becauseaverage depths y_(PWPK) and y_(NWPK) of the deep subsurfaceconcentration maxima in body material 184A and drain 184B are largelyequal in the example of FIGS. 11.2 and 22 a. A difference between depthsy_(PWPK) and y_(NWPK) would typically cause the location of minimumwell-to-well separation L_(WW) for IGFET 104 to move somewhat away fromthe location indicated in FIG. 22 a and to be somewhat slanted relativeto the upper semiconductor surface rather than being fully lateral asindicated in FIG. 22 a.

Well-separating portion 136A is lightly doped because it constitutespart of p− substrate region 136. The deep concentration maximum of thep-type dopant in p-type empty-well body material 184A occurs in itsmoderately doped lower part (328L). The deep concentration maximum ofthe n-type dopant in n-type empty-well drain 184B similarly occurs inits moderately doped lower part (336L). Hence, the moderately dopedlower part (328L) of p-type body material 184A and the moderately dopedlower part (336L) of n-type drain 184B are laterally separated by a morelightly doped portion of the semiconductor body.

Channel zone 322 (not specifically demarcated in FIG. 11.2 or 22 a)consists of all the p-type monosilicon between source 320 and drain184B. In particular, channel zone 322 is formed by a surface-adjoiningsegment of well-separating portion 136A, a surface-adjoining segment ofthe p− upper part (328U) of body-material portion 328, and (a) all of phalo pocket portion 326 if source 320 extends deeper than halo pocket326 as illustrated in the example of FIGS. 11.2 and 22 a or (b) asurface-adjoining segment of halo pocket 326 if it extends deeper thansource 320. In any event, halo pocket 326 is more heavily doped p-typethan the directly adjacent material of the p− upper part (328U) ofbody-material portion 328 in channel zone 322. The presence of halopocket 326 along source 320 thereby causes channel zone 322 to beasymmetrically longitudinally graded. The presence of thesurface-adjoining segment of well-separating portion 136A in channelzone 322 causes it to be further asymmetrically longitudinally graded.

Drain 184B extends below recessed field insulation 138 so as toelectrically connect material of drain 184B in island 144A to materialof drain 184B in island 144B. In particular, field insulation 138laterally surrounds n++ drain contact portion 334 and an underlying morelightly doped portion 184B1 of empty-well drain 184B. A portion 138A offield insulation 138 thereby laterally separates drain contact portion334 and more lightly doped underlying drain portion 184B1 from a portion184B2 of drain 184B situated in island 144A. Drain portion 184B2 iscontinuous with p− well-separating portion 136A and extends up to theupper semiconductor surface. The remainder of drain 184B is identifiedas item 184B3 in FIG. 22 a and consists of the n-type drain materialextending from the bottoms of islands 144A and 144B down to the bottomof drain 184B. Since drain 184B extends below field insulation 138 andthus considerably deeper than source 320, the bottom of channel zone 322slants considerably downward in moving from source 320 to drain 184B.

A gate dielectric layer 344 at the t_(GdH) high thickness value issituated on the upper semiconductor surface and extends over channelzone 322. A gate electrode 346 is situated on gate dielectric layer 344above channel zone 322. Gate electrode 346 extends partially over source320 and drain 184B. More particularly, gate electrode 346 extendspartially over source extension 320E but not over main source portion320M. Gate electrode 346 extends over drain portion 184B2 and partway,typically approximately halfway, across field-insulation portion 138Atoward drain contact portion 334. Dielectric sidewall spacers 348 and350 are situated respectively along the opposite transverse sidewalls ofgate electrode 346. Metal silicide layers 352, 354, and 356 arerespectively situated along the tops of gate electrode 346, main sourceportion 320M, and drain contact portion 334.

Extended-drain IGFET 104 is in the biased-on state when (a) itsgate-to-source voltage V_(GS) equals or exceeds its positive thresholdvoltage V_(T) and (b) its drain-to-source voltage V_(DS) is at asufficiently positive value as to cause electrons to flow from source320 through channel 322 to drain 184B. When gate-to-source voltageV_(GS) of IGFET 104 is less than its threshold voltage V_(T) butdrain-to-source voltage V_(DS) is at a sufficiently positive value thatelectrons would flow from source 320 through channel 322 to drain 184Bif gate-to-source voltage V_(GS) equaled or exceeded its thresholdvoltage V_(T) so as to make IGFET 104 conductive, IGFET 104 is in thebiased-off state. There is no significant flow from source 320 throughchannel 322 to drain 184B as long as drain-to-source voltage V_(DS) isnot high enough to place IGFET 104 in a breakdown condition.

The doping characteristics of empty-well body material 184A andempty-well drain 184B cause the peak magnitude of the electric field inthe monosilicon of extended-drain IGFET 104 to occur significantly belowthe upper semiconductor surface when IGFET 104 is in the biased-offstate. During IGFET operation, IGFET 104 undergoes considerably lessdeterioration due to hot-carrier gate dielectric charging than aconventional extended-drain IGFET in which the peak magnitude of theelectric field in the IGFET's monosilicon occurs along the uppersemiconductor surface. The reliability of IGFET 104 is increasedconsiderably.

E2. Dopant Distributions in Extended-Drain N-Channel IGFET

An understanding of how the doping characteristics of empty-well bodymaterial 184A and empty-well drain 184B enable the peak magnitude of theelectric field in the monosilicon of extended-drain n-channel IGFET 104to occur significantly below the upper semiconductor surface when IGFET104 is in the biased-off state is facilitated with the assistance ofFIGS. 23 a-23 c (collectively “FIG. 23”). FIG. 23 presents exemplarydopant concentrations as a function of depth y along vertical lines 330and 338. Vertical line 330 passes through p-type body-material portion328 of empty-well body material 184A up to the upper semiconductorsurface and thus through body material 184A at a location outsidesource-side halo pocket portion 326. In passing through empty-wellbody-material portion 328, line 330 passes through the portion ofchannel zone 322 between halo pocket 326 and portion 136A of p−substrate 136 which constitutes part of the p-type body material ofIGFET 104. Line 330 is sufficiently far from both halo pocket 326 andsource 320 that neither the p-type source halo dopant of halo pocket 326nor the n-type dopant of source 320 reaches line 330. Vertical line 338passes through portion 184B2 of n-type empty-well drain 184B situated inisland 144A. Line 338 also passes through underlying portion 184B3 ofdrain 184B.

FIG. 23 a specifically illustrates concentrations N_(I), along verticallines 330 and 338, of the individual semiconductor dopants thatvertically define regions 136, 328, 184B2, and 184B3 and thusrespectively establish the vertical dopant profiles in (a) p-typebody-material portion 328 of empty-well body material 184A outsidesource-side halo pocket portion 326 and (b) portions 184B2 and 184B3 ofn-type empty-well drain 184B. Curve 328′ represents concentration N_(I)(only vertical here) of the p-type empty main well dopant that definesp-type body-material portion 328 of empty-well body material 184A. Curve184B2/184B3′ represents concentration N_(I) (also only vertical here) ofthe n-type empty main well dopant that defines portions 184B2 and 184B3of n-type empty-well drain 184B. Item 226 ^(#) indicates where netdopant concentration N_(N) goes to zero and thus indicates the locationof drain-body junction 226 between drain 184B and substrate region 136.

Concentrations N_(T) of the total p-type and total n-type dopants inregions 136, 328, 184B2, and 184B3 along vertical lines 330 and 338 aredepicted in FIG. 23 b. Curve portion 328″ corresponds to p-typebody-material portion 328 of empty-well body material 184A. Curves 184A″and 184B″ respectively correspond to empty-well body material 184A andempty-well drain 184B. Curve 184W″ in FIG. 23 b is identical to curve184B2/184B3′ in FIG. 23 a.

FIG. 23 c presents net dopant concentration N_(N) along vertical lines330 and 338. Concentration N_(N) of the net p-type dopant inbody-material portion 328 of empty-well body material 184A isrepresented by curve segment 328*. Curves 184A* and 184B* respectivelycorrespond to empty-well body material 184A and empty-well drain 184B.Curve 184A* in FIG. 23 c is identical to curve 184A″ in FIG. 23 b.

Returning to FIG. 23 a, curve 328′ shows that concentration N_(I) of thep-type empty well dopant in p-type empty-well body material 184A reachesa maximum concentration largely at average depth y_(PWPK) along verticalline 330 through body-material portion 328 of body material 184A. Curve184B2/184B3′ similarly shows that concentration N_(I) of the n-typeempty main well dopant in portions 184B2 and 184B3 of n-type empty-welldrain 184B reaches a maximum concentration largely at average depthy_(NWPK) along vertical line 338 through portions 184B2 and 184B3 ofdrain 184B. The dopant concentration maxima largely at depths y_(PWPK)and y_(NWPK) in empty-well body material 184A and empty-well drain 184Barise, as mentioned above, from respective ion implantations of thep-type and n-type empty main well dopants. As also mentioned above,average empty main well maximum concentration depths y_(PWPK) andy_(NWPK) are normally very close to each other in value. P-type emptymain well maximum concentration depth y_(PWPK) here is typicallyslightly greater than n-type empty main well maximum concentration depthy_(NWPK) as depicted in the example of FIG. 23 a.

Both of empty main well maximum dopant concentration depths y_(PWPK) andy_(NWPK) of IGFET 104 are greater than maximum depth y_(S) of source320. Each of depths y_(PWPK) and y_(NWPK) is normally at least twicemaximum source depth y_(S) of IGFET 104 but normally no more than 10times, preferably no more than 5 times, more preferably no more than 4times, greater than source depth y_(S) of IGFET 104. In the example ofFIG. 23 a, each depth y_(PWPK) or y_(NWPK) is 2-3 times source depthy_(S).

Concentration N_(I) of the p-type empty main well dopant, represented bycurve 328′ in FIG. 23 a, decreases by at least a factor of 10,preferably by at least a factor of 20, more preferably by at least afactor of 40, in moving from the location of the maximum concentrationof the p-type empty main well dopant at depth y_(PWPK) upward alongvertical line 330 through p-type empty-well body-material portion 328,including the portion of channel zone 322 between halo pocket portion326 and portion 136A of p− substrate region 136, to the uppersemiconductor surface. Similar to FIG. 18 a, FIG. 23 a presents anexample in which concentration N_(I) of the p-type empty main welldopant decreases by more than a factor of 80, in the vicinity of 100, inmoving from the y_(PWPK) location of the maximum concentration of thep-type empty main well dopant upward along line 330 throughbody-material portion 328 to the upper semiconductor surface.

The decrease in concentration N_(I) of the p-type empty main well dopantis typically substantially monotonic in moving from the location of themaximum concentration of the p-type empty main well dopant at depthy_(PWPK) upward along vertical line 330 to the upper semiconductorsurface. If some pile-up of the p-type empty main well dopant occursalong the upper surface of the portion of channel zone 322 outsideportion 136A of p− substrate region 136, concentration N_(I) of thep-type empty main well dopant decreases substantially monotonically inmoving from depth y_(PWPK) along line 330 to a point no further from theupper semiconductor surface than 20% of maximum depth y_(S) of source320.

Curve 184A″ which, in FIG. 23 b, represents total p-type dopantconcentration N_(T) in p-type empty-well body material 184A consists ofcurve segment 328″ and a segment of curve 136″ in FIG. 23 b. Curvesegment 328″ in FIG. 23 b represents the sum of the correspondingportions of curves 328′ and 136′ in FIG. 23 a. As a result, curvesegment 328″ in FIG. 23 b represents concentration N_(N) of the sum ofthe p-type empty main well and background dopants in p-typebody-material portion 328.

A comparison of curves 328′ and 136′ in FIG. 23 a shows thatconcentration N_(I) of the p-type background dopant, represented bycurve 136′, is very small compared to concentration N_(I) of the p-typeempty main well dopant along vertical line 330 for depth y no greaterthan y_(PWPK). As in IGFET 100, the highest ratio of concentration N_(I)of the p-type background dopant to concentration N_(I) of the p-typeempty main well dopant in IGFET 104 along line 330 for depth y nogreater than y_(PWPK) occurs at the upper semiconductor surface wherethe p-type background dopant-to-p-type empty main well dopantconcentration ratio is typically in the vicinity of 0.1. Accordingly,the total p-type dopant from depth y_(PWPK) along line 330 to the uppersemiconductor surface consists largely of the p-type empty main welldopant. Concentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant, represented bycurve 184A″ in FIG. 23 b, thereby reaches a maximum largely at depthy_(PWPK) along line 330 and has largely the same variation asconcentration N_(I) of the p-type empty main well dopant along line 330for depth y no greater than y_(PWPK).

Essentially no n-type dopant is present along vertical line 330 asindicated by the fact that curve 184A* which, in FIG. 23 c, representsconcentration N_(N) of the net p-type dopant in body material 184A isidentical to curve 184A″ in FIG. 23 b. Concentration N_(N) of the netp-type dopant in empty-well body-material portion 328 of body material184A repeats the variation in concentration N_(T) of the total p-typedopant in portion 328 of body material 184A along vertical line 330.Accordingly, concentration N_(N) of the net p-type dopant in portion 328of body material 184A reaches a maximum at depth y_(PWPK) along line330.

Turning to n-type empty-well drain 184B for which concentration N_(I) ofthe n-type empty main well dopant is represented by curve 184B2/184B3′in FIG. 23 a, concentration N_(I) of the n-type empty main well dopantsimilarly decreases by at least a factor of 10, preferably by at least afactor of 20, more preferably by at least a factor of 40, in moving fromthe location of the maximum concentration of the n-type empty main welldopant at depth y_(NWPK) upward along vertical line 338 through portions184B3 and 184B2 of empty-well drain 184B to the upper semiconductorsurface. FIG. 23 a presents an example in which concentration N_(I) ofthe n-type empty main well dopant decreases by more than a factor of 80,in the vicinity of 100, in moving from the y_(NWPK) location of themaximum concentration of the n-type empty main well dopant upward alongline 338 through portions 184B3 and 184B2 of drain 184B to the uppersemiconductor surface.

Concentration N_(I) of the n-type empty main well dopant typicallydecreases substantially monotonically in moving from the location of themaximum concentration of the n-type empty main well dopant at depthy_(NWPK) upward along vertical line 338 to the upper semiconductorsurface. In the event that some pile-up of the n-type empty main welldopant occurs along the upper surface of portion 184B2 of empty-welldrain 184B, concentration N_(I) of the n-type empty main well dopantdecreases substantially monotonically in moving from depth y_(NWPK)along line 338 to a point no further from the upper semiconductorsurface than 20% of maximum depth y_(S) of source 320.

Curve 18413″ in FIG. 23 b represents total n-type dopant concentrationN_(T) in n-type empty-well drain 184B. Since curve 184B″ is identical tocurve 184B2/184B3′ in FIG. 23 a, concentration N_(T) of the total n-typedopant reaches a maximum at depth y_(NWPK) along vertical line 338 andvaries the same along vertical line 338 through portions 184B2 and 184B3of n-type empty-well drain 184B as concentration N_(I) of the n-typeempty-well dopant. Subject to net dopant concentration N_(N) going tozero at source-body junction 226, curve 184B* in FIG. 23 c shows thatthis variation carries over largely to net concentration N_(N) alongline 338 in portions 184B2 and 184B3 of empty-well drain 184B. Hence,concentration N_(N) of the net n-type dopant in portions 184B2 and 184B3of empty-well drain 184B also reaches a maximum at depth y_(NWPK) alongline 338.

E3. Operational Physics of Extended-Drain N-Channel IGFET

The foregoing empty-well characteristics enable extended-drain n-channelIGFET 104 to have the following device physics and operationalcharacteristics. When IGFET 104 is in the biased-off state, the electricfield in the IGFET's monosilicon reaches a peak value along drain-bodyjunction 226 at a location determined by the proximity of empty wellregions 184A and 184B to each other and by the maximum values of (a)concentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant in portion 328 of p-typeempty-well body material 184A and (b) concentration N_(T) the totaln-type dopant in portions 184B2 and 184B3 of n-type empty-well drain184B. Because depth y_(PWPK) at the maximum value of concentration N_(T)of the total p-type dopant in p-type empty-well body-material portion328 normally approximately equals depth y_(NWPK) at the maximum value ofconcentration N_(T) of the total n-type dopant in portions 184B2 and184B3 of n-type empty-well drain 184B and because empty wells 184A and184B are closest to each other at depths y_(PWPK) and y_(NWPK), the peakvalue of the electric field in the monosilicon of IGFET 104 occursapproximately along drain-body junction 226 at depth y_(NWPK). Thislocation is indicated by circle 358 in FIG. 22 a. Inasmuch as depthy_(NWPK) is normally at least twice maximum depth y_(S) of source 320,location 358 of the peak electric field in the monosilicon of IGFET 104is normally at least twice maximum source depth y_(S) of IGFET 104 whenit is in the biased-off state.

When IGFET 104 is in the biased-on state, electrons flowing from source320 to drain 184B initially travel in the monosilicon along the uppersurface of the portion of channel zone 322 in empty-well body material184A. Upon entering portion 136A of p-substrate region 136, theelectrons move generally downward and spread out. Upon reaching drain184B, the electron flow becomes distributed across the generallyvertical portion of drain-body junction 226 in island 144A. The electronflow is also spread out laterally across portion 184B2 of drain 184B.

The velocities of the electrons, referred to as primary electrons,increase as they travel from source 320 to drain 184B, causing theirenergies to increase. Impact ionization occurs in drain 184B when highlyenergetic primary electrons strike atoms of the drain material to createsecondary charge carriers, both electrons and holes, which travelgenerally in the direction of the local electric field. Some of thesecondary charge carriers, especially the secondary holes, generated inthe bulk region of high electric field travel upward toward the portionof dielectric layer 346 overlying portion 184B2 of drain 184B.

The amount of impact ionization generally increases as the electricfield increases and as the current density of the primary electronsincreases. The maximum amount of impact ionization occurs where thescalar product of the electric field vector and the primary electroncurrent density vector is highest. By having the peak electric fieldoccur along drain-body junction 226 at depth y_(NWPK), impact ionizationin drain 184B is forced significantly downward. The maximum amount ofimpact ionization in drain 184B normally occurs at a depth greater thanmaximum source depth y_(S) of IGFET 104.

Compared to a conventional n-channel extended-drain IGFET ofapproximately the same size as IGFET 104, considerably fewer secondarycharge carriers, especially secondary holes, generated by impactionization in IGFET 104 reach the upper semiconductor surface withsufficient energy to enter gate dielectric layer 344. Hot carriercharging of gate dielectric 344 is considerably reduced. IGFET 104thereby incurs much less threshold voltage drift caused byimpact-ionization-generated charge carriers lodging in gate dielectric344. The operating characteristics of IGFET 104 are very stable withoperational time. The reliability and lifetime of IGFET 104 areconsiderably enhanced.

E4. Structure of Extended-Drain P-Channel IGFET

Extended-drain extended-voltage p-channel IGFET 106 is configuredsimilarly to extended-drain extended-voltage n-channel IGFET 104.However, there are some notable differences due to the fact that deep nwell 212 of p-channel IGFET does not reach the upper semiconductorsurface.

Referring to FIGS. 11.2 and 22 b, p-channel IGFET 106 has a p-type firstS/D zone 360 situated in active semiconductor island 146A along theupper semiconductor surface. The combination of empty main well region186B and a surface-adjoining portion 136B of p− substrate region 136constitutes a p-type second S/D zone 186B/136B for IGFET 106. S/D zones360 and 186B/136B are often respectively referred to below as source 360and drain 186B/136B because they normally, though not necessarily,respectively function as source and drain.

Source 360 and drain 186B/136B are separated by a channel zone 362 ofn-type body material formed with n-type empty main well region 186A anddeep n well region 212. N-type empty-well body material 186A, i.e.,portion 186A of total body material 186A and 212, forms a source-body pnjunction 364 with p-type source 360. Deep n well 212 and n-type bodymaterial 186A form drain-body pn junction 228 with drain 186B/136B. Onepart of drain-body junction 228 is between deep n well 212 and p-typeempty main well region 186B. Empty main well regions 186A and 186B areoften respectively described below as empty-well body material 186A andempty-well drain material 186B in order to clarify the functions ofempty wells 186A and 186B.

P-type source 360 consists of a very heavily doped main portion 360M anda more lightly doped, but still heavily doped, lateral extension 360E.External electrical contact to source 360 is made via p++ main sourceportion 360M. P+ source extension 360E terminates channel zone 362 alongthe upper semiconductor surface at the source side of IGFET 106.

Main source portion 360M extends deeper than source extension 360E. As aresult, the maximum depth y_(S) of source 360 is the maximum depthy_(SM) of main source portion 360M. Maximum source depth y_(S) for IGFET106 is indicated in FIG. 22 b. Main source portion 360M and sourceextension 360E are respectively defined with the p-type main S/D andshallow source-extension dopants.

A moderately doped halo pocket portion 366 of n-type empty-well bodymaterial 186A extends along source 360 up to the upper semiconductorsurface and terminates at a location within body material 186A and thusbetween source 360 and drain 186B/136B. FIGS. 11.2 and 22 b illustratethe situation in which source 360, specifically main source portion360M, extends deeper than n source-side halo pocket 366. As analternative, halo pocket 366 can extend deeper than source 360. In thatcase, halo pocket 366 extends laterally under source 360. Halo pocket366 is defined with the n-type source halo dopant.

The portion of n-type empty-well body material 186A outside source-sidehalo pocket portion 366 is indicated as item 368 in FIGS. 11.2 and 22 b.In moving from the location of the deep n-type empty-well concentrationmaximum in body material 186A toward the upper semiconductor surfacealong an imaginary vertical line 370 through channel zone 362 outsidehalo pocket 366, the concentration of the n-type dopant in body-materialportion 368 drops gradually from a moderate doping, indicated by symbol“n”, to a light doping, indicated by symbol “n−”. Dotted line 372 (onlylabeled in FIG. 22 b) roughly represents the location below which then-type dopant concentration in body-material portion 368 is at themoderate n doping and above which the n-type dopant concentration inportion 368 is at the light n− doping. The moderately doped part ofbody-material portion 368 below line 372 is indicated as n lowerbody-material part 368L in FIG. 22 b. The lightly doped part ofbody-material portion 368 above line 372 outside n halo pocket 366 isindicated as n-upper body-material part 368U in FIG. 22 b.

The n-type dopant in n-type body-material portion 368 consists of then-type empty main well dopant and (near n halo pocket portion 366) then-type source halo dopant that forms halo pocket portion 366. Becausethe n-type empty main well dopant in n-type empty-well body material186A reaches a deep subsurface concentration maximum along a subsurfacelocation at average depth y_(NWPK), the presence of the n-type emptymain well dopant in body-material portion 368 causes the concentrationof the total n-type dopant in portion 368 to reach a deep localsubsurface concentration maximum substantially at the location of thedeep subsurface concentration maximum in body material 186A. The deepsubsurface concentration maximum in body-material portion 368, asindicated by the left-hand dash-and-double-dot line labeled “MAX” inFIG. 22 b, extends laterally below the upper semiconductor surface andlikewise occurs at average depth y_(NWPK). The occurrence of the deepsubsurface concentration maximum in body-material portion 368 causes itto bulge laterally outward. The maximum bulge in body-material portion368, and thus in body material 186A, occurs along the location of thedeep subsurface concentration maximum in portion 368 of body material186A.

P-type drain 186B/136B, specifically empty-well drain material 186B,includes a very heavily doped external contact portion 374 situated inactive semiconductor island 146B along the upper semiconductor surface.P++ external drain contact portion 374 is sometimes referred to here asthe main drain portion because, similar to main source portion 360M,drain contact portion 374 is very heavily doped, is spaced apart fromchannel zone 372, and is used in making external electrical contact toIGFET 106. The portion of empty well 186B outside n++ external draincontact portion/main drain portion 374 is indicated as item 376 in FIGS.11.2 and 22 b.

In moving from the location of the deep p-type empty-well concentrationmaximum in empty well 186B toward the upper semiconductor surface alongan imaginary vertical line 378 through island 146A, the concentration ofthe p-type dopant in drain 186B/136B drops gradually from a moderatedoping, indicated by symbol “p”, to a light doping, indicated by symbol“p−”. Dotted line 380 (only labeled in FIG. 22 b) roughly represents thelocation below which the p-type dopant concentration in empty-well drainportion 376 is at the moderate p doping and above which the p-typedopant concentration in portion 376 is at the light p− doping. Themoderately doped part of drain portion 376 below line 380 is indicatedas p lower empty-well drain part 376L in FIG. 22 b. The lightly dopedpart of drain portion 376 above line 380 is indicated as p− upperempty-well drain part 376U in FIG. 22 b.

The p-type dopant in p-type empty-well drain portion 376 consists of thep-type empty main well dopant, the largely constant p-type backgrounddopant of p− substrate region 136, and (near p++ drain contact portion374) the p-type main S/D dopant utilized, as described below, to formdrain contact portion 374. Since the p-type empty main well dopant inp-type drain 186B/136B reaches a deep subsurface concentration maximumat average depth y_(PWPK), the presence of the p-type empty main welldopant in drain portion 376 causes the concentration of the total p-typedopant in portion 376 to reach a deep local subsurface concentrationmaximum substantially at the location of the deep subsurfaceconcentration maximum in well 186B. The deep subsurface concentrationmaximum in drain portion 376, as indicated by the right-handdash-and-double-dot line labeled “MAX” in FIG. 22 b, extends laterallybelow the upper semiconductor surface and likewise occurs at averagedepth y_(PWPK). The occurrence of the deep subsurface concentrationmaximum in empty-well drain portion 376 causes it to bulge laterallyoutward. The maximum bulge in drain portion 376, and thus in empty well186B, occurs along the location of the deep subsurface concentrationmaximum in portion 376 of well 186B.

The deep n well dopant used to form deep n well 212 reaches a maximumsubsurface dopant concentration at average depth y_(DNWPK) along alocation extending laterally below main wells 186A and 186B and thedoped monosilicon situated between wells 186A and 186B. Somewhat similarto how the dopant concentration in each well 186A or 186B changes inmoving from the location of the maximum well dopant concentration towardthe upper semiconductor surface, the concentration of the n-type dopantin deep n well 212 drops gradually from a moderate doping, indicated bysymbol “n”, to a light doping, indicated by symbol “n−”, in moving fromthe location of the maximum dopant concentration maximum in well 212toward the upper semiconductor surface along a selected imaginaryvertical line extending through the monosilicon situated between mainwells 186A and 186B. Dotted line 382 (only labeled in FIG. 22 b) roughlyrepresents the location below which the n-type dopant concentration indeep n well 212 is at the moderate n doping and above which the n-typedopant concentration in deep n well is at the light n− doping. Themoderately doped part of deep n well 212 below line 382 is indicated asn lower well part 212L in FIG. 22 b. The lightly doped part of deep nwell 212 above line 382 is indicated as n− upper well part 212U in FIG.22 b.

Empty-well body material 186A, specifically empty-well body-materialportion 368, and empty-well drain material 186B, specifically empty-welldrain portion 376, are laterally separated by a well-separating portionof the semiconductor body. The well-separating portion for IGFET 106consists of (a) the lightly doped upper part (212U) of deep n well 212and (b) overlying drain portion 136B. FIG. 22 b indicates that minimumwell-to-well separation distance L_(WW) between empty-well body material186A and well 186B occurs generally along the locations of their maximumlateral bulges. This arises because average depths y_(NWPK) and y_(PWPK)of the deep subsurface concentration maxima in body material 186A andwell 186B are largely equal in the example of FIGS. 11.2 and 22 b. Adifference between depths y_(NWPK) and y_(PWPK) would typically causethe location of minimum well-to-well separation L_(WW) for IGFET 106 tomove somewhat away from the location indicated in FIG. 22 b and to besomewhat slanted relative to the upper semiconductor surface rather thanbeing fully lateral as indicated in FIG. 22 b.

Letting the well-separating portion for IGFET 106 be referred to aswell-separating portion 212U/136B, drain portion 136B of well-separatingportion 212U/136B is lightly doped p-type since portion 136B is part ofp− substrate region 136. Part 212U of well-separating portion 212U/136Bis lightly doped n-type since part 212U is the lightly doped upper partof deep n well 212. The deep concentration maximum of the n-type dopantin n-type empty-well body material 186A occurs in its moderately dopedlower part (368L). The deep concentration of the p-type dopant in p-typeempty well 186B similarly occurs in its moderately doped lower part(336L). Hence, the moderately doped lower part (368L) of n-type bodymaterial 186A and the moderately doped lower part (376L) of p-type well186B are laterally separated by a more lightly doped portion of thesemiconductor body.

Channel zone 362 (not specifically demarcated in FIG. 11.2 or 22 b)consists of all the n-type monosilicon between source 360 and drain186B/136B. In particular, channel zone 362 is formed by asurface-adjoining segment of the n− upper part (368U) of body-materialportion 368, and (a) all of n halo pocket portion 366 if source 360extends deeper than halo pocket 366 as illustrated in the example ofFIGS. 11.2 and 22 b or (b) a surface-adjoining segment of halo pocket366 if it extends deeper than source 360. In any event, halo pocket 366is more heavily doped n-type than the directly adjacent material of then− upper part (368U) of body-material portion 368 in channel zone 362.The presence of halo pocket 366 along source 360 thereby causes channelzone 362 to be asymmetrically longitudinally graded.

Well region 186B of drain 186B/136B extends below recessed fieldinsulation 138 so as to electrically connect material of drain 186B/136Bin island 146A to material of drain 186B/136B in island 146B. Inparticular, field insulation 138 laterally surrounds p++ drain contactportion 374 and an underlying more lightly doped portion 186B1 of drain186B/136B. A portion 138B of field insulation 138 thereby laterallyseparates drain contact portion 374 and more lightly doped underlyingdrain portion 186B1 from a portion 186B2 of well 186B situated in island146A. Drain portion 186B2 is continuous with lightly dopedwell-separating portion 212U/136B and extends up to the uppersemiconductor surface. The remainder of well 186B is identified as item186B3 in FIG. 22 b and consists of the n-type drain material extendingfrom the bottoms of islands 146A and 146B down to the bottom of well186B.

A gate dielectric layer 384 at the t_(GdH) high thickness value issituated on the upper semiconductor surface and extends over channelzone 362. A gate electrode 386 is situated on gate dielectric layer 384above channel zone 362. Gate electrode 386 extends partially over source360 and drain 186B/136B. More particularly, gate electrode 386 extendspartially over source extension 360E but not over main source portion360M. Gate electrode 386 extends over drain portions 136B and 186B2 andpartway, typically approximately halfway, across field-insulationportion 138B toward drain contact portion 374. Dielectric sidewallspacers 388 and 390 are situated respectively along the oppositetransverse sidewalls of gate electrode 386. Metal silicide layers 392,394, and 396 are respectively situated along the tops of gate electrode386, main source portion 360M, and drain contact portion 374.

Extended-drain IGFET 106 is in the biased-on state when (a) itsgate-to-source voltage V_(GS) equals or is less than its negativethreshold voltage V_(T) and (b) its drain-to-source voltage V_(DS) is ata sufficiently negative value as to cause holes to flow from source 360through channel 362 to drain 186B/136B. When gate-to-source voltageV_(GS) of IGFET 106 exceeds its threshold voltage V_(T) butdrain-to-source voltage V_(DS) is at a sufficiently negative value thatholes would flow from source 360 through channel 362 to drain 186B/136Bif gate-to-source voltage V_(GS) equaled or were less than its thresholdvoltage V_(T) so as to make IGFET 106 conductive, IGFET 106 is in thebiased-off state. There is no significant flow of holes from source 360through channel 362 to drain 186B/136B as long as drain-to-sourcevoltage V_(DS) is not low enough, i.e., of a sufficiently high negativevalue, to place IGFET 106 in a breakdown condition.

The doping characteristics of empty-well body material 186A and emptywell region 186B of drain 186B/136B are likewise of such a nature thatthe peak magnitude of the electric field in the monosilicon of IGFET 106occurs significantly below the upper semiconductor surface when IGFET106 is in the biased-off state. Consequently, IGFET 104 undergoesconsiderably less deterioration during IGFET operation due tohot-carrier gate dielectric charging than a conventional extended-drainIGFET whose electric field reaches a maximum in the monosilicon alongthe upper semiconductor surface. IGFET 106 has considerably enhancedreliability.

E5. Dopant Distributions in Extended-Drain P-Channel IGFET

The empty-well doping characteristics that cause the peak magnitude ofthe electric field in the monosilicon of extended-drain p-channel IGFET106 to occur significantly below the upper semiconductor surface whenIGFET 106 is in the biased-off state are quite similar to the empty-welldoping characteristics of extended-drain n-channel IGFET 104.

An understanding of how the doping characteristics of empty-well bodymaterial 186A and empty-well region 186B of drain 186B/136B enable thepeak magnitude of the electric field in the monosilicon of IGFET 106 tooccur significantly below the upper semiconductor surface when IGFET 106is in the biased-off state is facilitated with the assistance of FIGS.24 a-24 c (collectively “FIG. 24”). Exemplary dopant concentrations as afunction of depth y along vertical lines 370 and 378 are presented inFIG. 24. Vertical line 370 passes through n-type body-material portion368 of empty-well body material 186A up to the upper semiconductorsurface and thereby through body material 186A at a location outsidesource-side halo pocket portion 366. In passing through empty-wellbody-material portion 368, line 370 passes through the portion ofchannel zone 362 outside halo pocket 366. Line 370 is sufficiently farfrom both halo pocket 366 and source 360 that neither the n-type sourcehalo dopant of halo pocket 366 nor the p-type dopant of source 360reaches line 370. Vertical line 378 passes through portion 186B2 ofempty-well region 186B of n-type drain 186B/136B situated in island146B. Line 378 also passes through underlying portion 186B3 of region186B of drain 186B/136B.

FIG. 24 a specifically illustrates concentrations N_(I), along verticallines 370 and 378, of the individual semiconductor dopants thatvertically define regions 136, 212, 368, 186B2, and 186B3 and thusrespectively establish the vertical dopant profiles in (a) n-typebody-material portion 368 of empty-well body material 186A outsidesource-side halo pocket portion 366 and (b) portions 186B2 and 186B3 ofempty-well region 184B of p-type drain 186B/136B. Curve 368′ representsconcentration N_(I) (only vertical here) of the n-type empty main welldopant that defines n-type body-material portion 368 of empty-well bodymaterial 186A. Curve 186B2/186B3′ represents concentration N_(I) (alsoonly vertical here) of the p-type empty main well dopant that definesportions 186B2 and 186B3 of p-type empty well 186B. Curve 212′represents concentration N_(I) (likewise only vertical here) of the deepn well dopant that defines deep n well region 212. Item 228 ^(#)indicates where net dopant concentration N_(N) goes to zero and thusindicate the location of drain-body junction 228 between drain 186B/136Band deep n well 212.

Concentrations N_(T) of the total p-type and total n-type dopants inregions 136, 212, 368, 186B2, and 186B3 along vertical lines 370 and 378are depicted in FIG. 24 b. Curves 186A″ and 186B″ respectivelycorrespond to empty-well body material 186A and empty-well drainmaterial 186B. Curve segment 368″ corresponds to n-type body-materialportion 368 of empty-well body material 186A and constitutes part ofcurve 186A″. Curve 212″ corresponds to deep n well region 212 and isidentical to curve 212′ in FIG. 24 a.

FIG. 24 c presents net dopant concentration N_(N) along vertical lines370 and 378. Concentration N_(N) of the net n-type dopant inbody-material portion 368 of empty-well body material 186A isrepresented by curve segment 368*. Curves 186A* and 186B* respectivelycorrespond to empty-well body material 186A and empty-well body material186B. Curve 212* corresponds to deep n well region 212.

Referring to FIG. 24 a, curve 368′ shows that concentration N_(I) of then-type empty well dopant in n-type empty-well body material 186A reachesa maximum concentration largely at average depth y_(NWPK) along verticalline 370 through body-material portion 368 of body material 186A. Curve186B2/186B3′ similarly shows that concentration N_(I) of the p-typeempty main well dopant in portions 186B2 and 186B3 of empty well 186B ofn-type drain 186B/136B reaches a maximum concentration largely ataverage depth y_(PWPK) along vertical line 378 through portions 186B2and 186B3 of empty well 186B. The dopant concentration maxima largely atroughly equal depths y_(NWPK) and y_(PWPK) in empty-well body material186A and empty well 186B arise, as mentioned above, from respective ionimplantations of the n-type and p-type empty main well dopants.

Both of empty main well maximum dopant concentration depths y_(NWPK) andy_(PWPK) of IGFET 106 are greater than maximum depth y_(S) of source360. Each of depths y_(NWPK) and y_(PWPK) is normally at least twicemaximum source depth y_(S) of IGFET 106 but normally no more than 10times, preferably no more than 5 times, more preferably no more than 4times, greater than source depth y_(S) of IGFET 106. Each depth y_(PWPK)or y_(NWPK) is typically 2-4 times source depth y_(S).

Concentration N_(I) of the n-type empty main well dopant, represented bycurve 368′ in FIG. 24 a, decreases by at least a factor of 10,preferably by at least a factor of 20, more preferably by at least afactor of 40, in moving from the location of the maximum concentrationof the n-type empty main well dopant at depth y_(NWPK) upward alongvertical line 370 through n-type empty-well body-material portion 368,including the portion of channel zone 362 outside halo pocket portion366, to the upper semiconductor surface. Similar to FIG. 23 a, FIG. 24 aillustrates an example in which concentration N_(I) of the n-type emptymain well dopant decreases by more than a factor of 80, in the vicinityof 100, in moving from the y_(NWPK) location of the maximumconcentration of the n-type empty main well dopant upward along line 370through body-material portion 368 to the upper semiconductor surface.

The decrease in concentration N_(I) of the n-type empty main well dopantis typically substantially monotonic in moving from the location of themaximum concentration of the n-type empty main well dopant at depthy_(NWPK) upward along line 370 to the upper semiconductor surface. Ifsome pile-up of the n-type empty main well dopant occurs along the uppersurface of channel zone 362, concentration N_(I) of the n-type emptymain well dopant decreases substantially monotonically in moving fromdepth y_(NWPK) along line 370 to a point no further from the uppersemiconductor surface than 20% of maximum depth y_(S) of source 360.

The deep n well dopant, whose concentration N_(I) is represented bycurve 212′ in FIG. 24 a, is present in n-type body-material portion 368of empty-well body material 186A. Comparison of curves 212′ and 368′shows that concentration N_(I) of the deep n well dopant is very smallcompared to concentration N_(I) of the n-type empty main well dopantalong vertical line 370 for depth y no greater than y_(NWPK). Perexamination of curve segment 368″ in FIG. 23 b, concentration N_(T) ofthe total n-type dopant in body-material portion 368 thus reaches amaximum largely at depth y_(NWPK) along line 370 and has largely thesame variation as concentration N_(I) of the n-type empty main welldopant along line 370 for depth y no greater than y_(NWPK).

Concentration N_(N) of the net n-type dopant in body-material portion368 of body material 186A, represented by curve 186A* (including segment368*) in FIG. 24 c, has a subtractive factor due to the p-typebackground dopant. Since concentration N_(I) of the p-type backgrounddopant is substantially constant, concentration N_(N) of the net p-typedopant in empty-well body-material portion 368 has the same variation asconcentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant in body-material portion368 along vertical line 370. This is evident from the fact that curve186A* in FIG. 24 c varies largely the same as curve 186A″ (includingsegment 368″) which, in FIG. 24 b, represents concentration N_(T) of thetotal n-type dopant in body material 186A along line 370. Accordingly,concentration N_(N) of the net n-type dopant in body-material portion368 of body material 186A largely reaches a maximum at depth y_(NWPK)along line 370.

Moving to p-type empty well region 186B of drain 186B/136B for whichconcentration N_(I) of the p-type empty main well dopant is representedby curve 186B2/186B3′ in FIG. 24 a, concentration N_(I) of the p-typeempty main well dopant decreases by at least a factor of 10, preferablyby at least a factor of 20, more preferably by at least a factor of 40,in moving from the location of the maximum concentration of the p-typeempty main well dopant at depth y_(PWPK) upward along vertical line 378through portions 186B3 and 186B2 of drain 186B/136B to the uppersemiconductor surface. As with concentration N_(I) of the n-type emptymain well dopant, FIG. 24 a presents an example in which concentrationN_(I) of the p-type empty main well dopant decreases by more than afactor of 80, in the vicinity of 100, in moving from the y_(PWPK)location of the maximum concentration of the p-type empty main welldopant upward along line 378 through drain portions 186B3 and 186B2 tothe upper semiconductor surface.

The decrease in concentration N_(I) of the p-type empty main well dopantis typically substantially monotonic in moving from the location of themaximum concentration of the p-type empty main well dopant at depthy_(PWPK) upward along line 378 to the upper semiconductor surface. Ifsome pile-up of the p-type empty main well dopant occurs along the uppersurface of portion 186B2 of drain 186B/136B, concentration N_(I) of thep-type empty main well dopant decreases substantially monotonically inmoving from depth y_(PWPK) along line 378 to a point no further from theupper semiconductor surface than 20% of maximum depth y_(S) of source360.

In regard to the presence of p-type background dopant in p-type drain186B/136B, the highest ratio of concentration N_(I) of the p-typebackground dopant to concentration N_(I) of the p-type empty main welldopant along vertical line 378 for depth y no greater than y_(PWPK)occurs at the upper semiconductor surface where the p-type backgrounddopant-to-p-type empty main well dopant concentration ratio is typicallyin the vicinity of 0.1. The total p-type dopant from depth y_(PWPK)along line 378 to the upper semiconductor surface consists largely ofthe p-type empty main well dopant. Accordingly, concentration N_(T) ofthe total p-type dopant in portions 186B2 and 186B3 of empty well region186B, represented by curve 186W′ in FIG. 24 b, largely reaches a maximumat depth y_(PWPK) along line 378 and has largely the same variation asconcentration N_(I) of the p-type empty main well dopant along line 378for depth y no greater than y_(PWPK).

The deep n well dopant is also present in p-type drain 186B/136B.Subject to net dopant concentration N_(N) going to zero at source-bodyjunction 228, net concentration N_(N) in portions 186B2 and 186B3 ofempty-well region 186B, represented by curve 186B* in FIG. 24 c, varieslargely the same as concentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant inportions 186B2 and 186B3 of empty well region 186B along vertical line378 for depth y no greater than y_(PWPK). Concentration N_(N) of the netp-type dopant in portions 186B2 and 186B3 of drain 186B/136B thus alsolargely reaches a maximum at depth y_(NWPK) along line 378.

E6. Operational Physics of Extended-Drain P-Channel IGFET

Extended-drain p-channel IGFET 106 has very similar device physics andoperational characteristics to extended-drain n-channel IGFET 104subject to the voltage and charge polarities being reversed. The devicephysics and operation of IGFETS 104 and 106 do not differ significantlydue to the fact the portion 136B of p− substrate 136 forms part ofp-type drain 186B/136B of IGFET 106 whereas similarly located portion136A of substrate 136 forms part of the overall p-type body material forIGFET 104. The drain characteristics of IGFET 106 are determined more bythe substantial p-type doping in portions 186B2 and 1863 of empty wellregion 186B of drain 186B/136B than by the lighter p-type doping insubstrate portion 136B.

When IGFET 106 is in the biased-off state, the electric field in theIGFET's monosilicon reaches a peak value along drain-body junction 228at a location determined by the proximity of empty well regions 186A and186B to each other and by the maximum values of (a) the concentration ofthe total n-type dopant in portion 368 of n-type empty-well bodymaterial 186A and (b) the concentration of the total p-type dopant inportions 186B2 and 186B3 of p-type empty-well drain material 186B ofdrain 186B/136B. Because depth y_(NWPK) at the maximum concentration ofthe total n-type dopant in n-type empty-well body-material portion 368normally approximately equals depth y_(NWPK) at the maximumconcentration of the total p-type dopant in portions 186B2 and 186B3 ofp-type drain 186B/136B and because empty wells 186A and 186B are closestto each other at depths y_(NWPK) and y_(PWPK), the peak value of theelectric field in the monosilicon of IGFET 106 occurs approximatelyalong drain-body junction 228 at depth y_(NWPK). This location isindicated by circle 398 in FIG. 22 b. Since depth y_(PWPK) is normallyat least twice maximum depth y_(S) of source 360, location 398 of thepeak electric field in the monosilicon of IGFET 106 is normally at leasttwice maximum source depth y_(S) of IGFET 106 when it is in thebiased-off state.

Holes moving in one direction essentially constitute electrons movingaway from dopant atoms in the opposite direction. Upon placing IGFET 106in the biased-on state, holes flowing from source 360 to drain 186B/136Binitially travel in the monosilicon along the upper surface of theportion of channel zone 362 in empty-well body material 186A. As theholes enter p− substrate portion 136B of drain 186B/136B, they generallymove downward and spread out. The holes move downward further and spreadout more as they enter portion 186B2 of drain 186B/136B.

The velocities of the holes, referred to as primary holes, increase asthey travel from source 360 to drain 186B/136B, causing their energiesto increase. Impact ionization occurs in drain 186B/136B when highlyenergetic charge carriers strike atoms of the drain material to createsecondary charge carriers, once again both electrons and holes, whichtravel generally in the direction of the local electric field. Some ofthe secondary charge carriers, especially the secondary electrons,generated in the bulk region of high electric field travel upward towardthe portion of dielectric layer 386 overlying drain portion 186B2.

The amount of impact ionization generally increases with increasingelectric field and with increasing primary hole current density. Inparticular, the maximum amount of impact ionization occurs generallywhere the scalar product of the electric field vector and the primaryhole current density vector is highest. Because the peak electric fieldoccurs along drain-body junction 228 at depth y_(PWPK), impactionization in drain 186B/136B is forced significantly downward. Thehighest amount of impact ionization in drain 186B/136B normally occursat a depth greater than maximum source depth y_(S) of IGFET 106.

In comparison to a conventional extended-drain p-channel IGFET ofapproximately the same size as IGFET 106, considerably fewer secondarycharge carriers, especially secondary electrons, generated by impactionization in IGFET 106 reach gate dielectric layer 384. As a result,gate dielectric 384 incurs considerable less hot carrier charging.Threshold voltage drift resulting from impact-ionization-generatedelectrons lodging in gate dielectric 386 is greatly reduced in IGFET106. Its operating characteristics are very stable with operationaltime. The net result is that IGFET 106 has considerably enhancedreliability and lifetime.

E7. Common Properties of Extended-Drain IGFETs

Looking now at extended-drain IGFETs 104 and 106 together, let theconductivity type of p-type empty-well body material 184A of IGFET 104or n-type empty-well body material 184B of IGFET 106 be referred to asthe “first” conductivity type. The other conductivity type, i.e., theconductivity type of n-type source 320 and drain 184B of IGFET 104 orthe conductivity type of p-type source 360 and drain 186B/136B for IGFET104, is then the “second” conductivity type. The first and secondconductivity types thus respectively are p-type and n-type for IGFET104. For IGFET 106, the first and second conductivity types respectivelyare n-type and p-type.

Concentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant in empty-well bodymaterial 184A of IGFET 104 decreases, as mentioned above, in largely thesame way as concentration N_(I) of the p-type empty main well dopant inmoving from depth y_(PWPK) along vertical line 330 through body-materialportion 328 of body material 184A to the upper semiconductor surface. Asfurther mentioned above, concentration N_(T) of the total n-type dopantin empty-well body material 186A of IGFET 106 similarly decreases insubstantially the same way as concentration N_(I) of the n-type emptymain well dopant in moving from depth y_(NWPK) along vertical line 370through body-material portion 368 of body material 186A to the uppersemiconductor surface. Since the first conductivity type is p-type forIGFET 104 and n-type for IGFET 106, IGFETS 104 and 106 have the commonfeature that the concentration of the total dopant of the firstconductivity type in IGFET 104 or 106 decreases by at least a factor of10, preferably by at least a factor of 20, more preferably by at least afactor of 40, in moving from the subsurface location of the maximumconcentration of the total dopant of the first conductivity type atdepth y_(PWPK) or y_(NWPK) upward along line 330 or 370 to the uppersemiconductor surface.

The concentration decrease of the total dopant of the first conductivitytype in IGFET 104 or 106 is substantially monotonic in moving from thelocation of the maximum concentration of the total dopant of the firstconductivity type at depth y_(PWPK) or y_(NWPK) upward along verticalline 330 or 370 to the upper semiconductor surface. If some pile-up ofthe total dopant of the first conductivity type occurs along the uppersurface of empty-well body material 328 or 368, the concentration of thetotal dopant of the first conductivity type decreases substantiallymonotonically in moving from depth y_(PWPK) or y_(NWPK) along line 330or 370 to a point no further from the upper semiconductor surface than20% of maximum depth y_(S) of source-body junction 324 or 364.

Additionally, concentration N_(T) of the total n-type dopant inempty-well drain 184B of IGFET 104 decreases, as mentioned above, inlargely the same way as concentration N_(I) of the n-type empty mainwell dopant in moving from depth y_(NWPK) along vertical line 338through portions 184B2 and 184B3 of drain 184B to the uppersemiconductor surface. As also mentioned above, the concentration of thetotal p-type dopant in empty-well drain material 186B of IGFET 106similarly decreases in largely the same way as the concentration of thep-type empty main well dopant in moving from depth y_(PWPK) alongvertical line 378 through portions 186B2 and 186B3 of drain 186B/136B tothe upper semiconductor surface. Accordingly, IGFETs 104 and 106 havethe further common feature that the concentration of the total dopant ofthe second conductivity type in IGFET 104 or 106 decreases by at least afactor of 10, preferably by at least a factor of 20, more preferably byat least a factor of 40, in moving from the subsurface location of themaximum concentration of the total dopant of the second conductivitytype at depth y_(NWPK) or y_(PWPK) upward along line 338 or 378 to theupper semiconductor surface.

The concentration decrease of the total dopant of the secondconductivity type in IGFET 104 or 106 is substantially monotonic inmoving from the location of the maximum concentration of the totaldopant of the first conductivity type at depth y_(NWPK) or y_(PWPK)upward along vertical line 338 or 378 to the upper semiconductorsurface. If some of the total dopant of the first conductivity typepiles up along the upper surface of drain portion 184B2 or 186B2, theconcentration of the total dopant of the second conductivity typedecreases substantially monotonically in moving from depth y_(NWPK) ory_(PWPK) along line 338 or 378 to a point no further from the uppersemiconductor surface than 20% of maximum depth y_(S) of source-bodyjunction 324 or 364.

Threshold voltage V_(T) of n-channel IGFET 104 is normally 0.5 V to 0.7V, typically 0.6 V, at a drawn channel length L_(DR) in the vicinity of0.5 μm and a gate dielectric thickness of 6-6.5 nm. Threshold voltageV_(T) of p-channel IGFET 106 is normally −0.45 V to −0.7 V, typically−0.55 V to −0.6 V, likewise at a drawn channel length L_(DR) in thevicinity of 0.5 μm and a gate dielectric thickness of 6-6.5 nm.Extended-drain IGFETs 104 and 106 are particularly suitable for power,high-voltage switching, EEPROM programming, and ESD protectionapplications at an operational voltage range, e.g., 12 V, considerablyhigher than the typically 3.0-V high-voltage operational range ofasymmetric IGFETs 100 and 102.

E8. Performance Advantages of Extended-Drain IGFETs

Extended-drain extended-voltage IGFETs 104 and 106 have very goodcurrent-voltage characteristics. FIG. 25 a illustrates how lineal draincurrent I_(Dw) typically varies as a function of drain-to-source voltageV_(DS) for values of gate-to-source voltage V_(GS) varying from 1.00 Vto 3.33 V in increments of approximately 0.33 V for fabricatedimplementations of n-channel IGFET 104. A typical variation of linealdrain current I_(Dw) as a function drain-to-source voltage V_(DS) forvalues of gate-to-source voltage V_(GS) varying from −1.33 V to −3.00 Vin increments of approximately −0.33 V for fabricated implementations ofp-channel IGFET 106 is similarly depicted in FIG. 2 b. As FIGS. 25 a and25 b show, the I_(Dw)/V_(DS) current voltage characteristics of IGFETS104 and 106 are well behaved up to a V_(DS) magnitude of at least 14 V.

The magnitude of drain-to-source breakdown voltage V_(BD) of each ofIGFETs 104 and 106 is controlled by adjusting minimum spacing L_(WW)between the IGFET's complementary empty main well regions, i.e., p-typeempty main well region 184A and n-type empty main well region 184B ofIGFET 104, and n-type empty main well region 186A and p-type empty mainwell region 186B of IGFET 106. Increasing minimum well-to-well spacingL_(WW) causes the V_(BD) magnitude to increase, and vice versa, up to alimiting L_(WW) value beyond which breakdown voltage V_(BD) isessentially constant.

FIG. 26 a illustrates how drain-to-source breakdown voltage V_(BD)typically varies with minimum well-to-well spacing L_(WW) for fabricatedimplementations of n-channel IGFET 104. FIG. 26 b similarly illustrateshow breakdown voltage V_(BD) typically varies with well-to-well spacingL_(WW) for fabricated implementations of p-channel IGFET 106. The smallcircles in FIGS. 26 a and 26 b represent experimental data points. Theexperimental V_(BD)/L_(WW) experimental data in each of FIGS. 26 a and26 b approximates a sigmoid curve. The curves in FIGS. 26 a and 26 bindicate best-fit sigmoid approximations to the experimental data.

The sigmoid approximation to the variation of breakdown voltage V_(BD)with minimum well-to-well spacing is generally expressed as:

$\begin{matrix}{V_{BD} = {V_{{BD}\; 0} + \frac{V_{{BD}\;{ma}\; x} - V_{{BD}\; 0}}{1 + {\mathbb{e}}^{- {(\frac{L_{WW} - L_{{WW}\; 0}}{L_{K}})}}}}} & (1)\end{matrix}$where V_(BD0) is the mathematically minimum possible value of breakdownvoltage V_(BD) (if well-to-well spacing L_(WW) could go to negativeinfinity), V_(BDmax) is the maximum possible value of breakdown voltageV_(BD) (for spacing L_(WW) going to positive infinity), L_(WW0) is anoffset spacing length, and L_(K) is a spacing length constant. Eq. 1 canbe used as a design tool in choosing spacing L_(WW) to achieve a desiredvalue of breakdown voltage V_(BD).

Parameters V_(BD0), V_(BDmax), L_(WW0), and L_(K) are of approximatelythe following values for the sigmoid curves of FIGS. 26 a and 26 b:

Implementations of Implementations of n-channel IGFET 104 p-channelIGFET 106 Parameter in FIG. 26a in FIG. 26b V_(BD0) 11.9 V −16.3 VV_(BDmax) 17.0 V −11.7 V L_(WW0) 0.48 μm 0.44 μm L_(K) 0.055 μm 0.057 μm

The actual minimum limit of well-to-well spacing L_(WW) is zero. As aresult, the actual minimum value V_(BDmin) of breakdown voltage V_(BD)is:

$\begin{matrix}{V_{{BD}\; m\; i\; n} = {V_{{BD}\; 0} + \frac{V_{{BD}\; m\;{ax}} - V_{{BD}\; 0}}{1 + {\mathbb{e}}^{(\frac{L_{{WW}\; 0}}{1_{K}})}}}} & (2)\end{matrix}$In practice, the factor L_(WW0)/L_(K) is normally considerably greaterthan 1 so that the exponential term e^(L) ^(WW0) ^(/L) ^(K) is muchgreater than 1. Accordingly, actual minimum breakdown voltage V_(BDmin)is normally very close to theoretical minimum breakdown voltage V_(BD0).

The peak value of the electric field in the monosilicon of IGFET 104 or106 goes to the upper semiconductor surface when well-to-well spacingL_(WW) is increased sufficiently that breakdown voltage V_(BD) saturatesat its maximum value V_(BDmax). Since reliability and lifetime areenhanced when the peak value of the electric field in the monosilicon ofIGFET 104 or 106 is significantly below the upper semiconductor surface,well-to-well spacing L_(WW) is chosen to be a value for which breakdownvoltage V_(BD) is somewhat below saturation at maximum value V_(BDmax).In the implementations represented by the approximate sigmoid curves ofFIGS. 26 a and 26 b, an L_(WW) value in the vicinity of 0.5 μm enablesthe peak value of the electric field in the monosilicon of IGFET 104 or106 to be significantly below the upper semiconductor surface whilesimultaneously providing a reasonably high value for breakdown voltageV_(BD).

FIG. 27 illustrates lineal drain current I_(Dw) as a function ofdrain-to-source voltage V_(DS) sufficiently high to cause IGFETbreakdown for a test of another implementation of n-channel IGFET 104.Well-to-well spacing L_(WW) was 0.5 μm for this implementation. FIG. 27also shows how lineal drain current I_(Dw) varied with drain-to-sourcevoltage V_(DS) sufficiently high to cause IGFET breakdown for acorresponding test of an extension of IGFET 104 to zero well-to-wellspacing L_(WW). Gate-to-source voltage V_(GS) was zero in the tests.Consequently, breakdown voltage V_(BD) is the V_(DS) value at the onsetof S-D current I_(D), i.e., the points marked by circles 400 and 402 inFIG. 27 where lineal drain current I_(Dw) becomes positive. As circles400 and 402 indicate, raising well-to-well spacing L_(WW) from zero to0.5 μm increased breakdown voltage V_(BD) from just above 13 V to justabove 16 V, an increase of approximately 3 V.

Importantly, the breakdown characteristics of n-channel IGFET 104 arestable with operational time in the controlled-current avalanchebreakdown condition. Curves 404 and 406 in FIG. 27 respectively show howlineal drain current I_(Dw), varied with drain-to-source voltage V_(DS)for the extension and implementation of IGFET 104 at the beginning of aperiod of 20 minutes during which each IGFET was subjected to breakdown.Curves 408 and 410 respectively show how lineal current I_(DW) variedwith voltage V_(DS) for the extension and implementation at the end ofthe 20-minute breakdown period. Curves 408 and 410 are respectivelynearly identical to curves 404 and 406. This shows that placing IGFET104 in a stressed breakdown condition for substantial operational timedoes not cause its breakdown characteristics to change significantly.The breakdown characteristics of p-channel IGFET 106 are also stablewith operational time.

FIG. 28 a illustrates a computer simulation 412 of extended-drainn-channel IGFET 104 in its biased-on state. The regions in simulation412 are identified with the same reference symbols as the correspondingregions in IGFET 104. Regions of the same conductivity type are notvisibly distinguishable in FIG. 28 a. Since empty-well body material184A and substrate region 136 are both of p-type conductivity, bodymaterial 184A is not visibly distinguishable from substrate region 136in FIG. 28 a. The position of reference symbol 184A in FIG. 28 agenerally indicates the location of p-type empty-well body material184A.

Area 414 in FIG. 28 a indicates the situs of maximum impact ionizationin simulated inventive n-channel IGFET 412. Maximum impact ionizationsitus 414 occurs well below the upper semiconductor surface. Lettingy_(II) represent the depth of the situs of maximum impact ionization inan IGFET while it is conducting current, depth y_(II) of maximum impactionization situs 414 exceeds maximum depth y_(S) of source 320. Morespecifically, maximum impact ionization situs depth y_(II) for IGFET isover 1.5 times its maximum source depth y_(S). In addition, depth y_(II)of maximum impact ionization situs 414 is greater than the depth (orthickness) y_(FI) of field insulation 138 as represented byfield-insulation portion 138A in FIG. 28 a.

A computer simulation 416 of a reference extended-drain n-channel IGFETin its biased-on state is presented in FIG. 28 b. As in FIG. 28 a,regions of the same conductivity type are not visibly distinguishable inFIG. 28 b. In contrast to simulated inventive IGFET 412, the p-type bodymaterial of simulated reference extended-drain IGFET 416 is formed by ap-type filled main well region indicated generally by reference symbol418 in FIG. 28 b.

Reference extended-drain IGFET 416 further contains an n-type source420, an n-type drain 422, a gate dielectric layer 424, a very heavilydoped n-type polysilicon gate electrode 426, and a pair of dielectricgate sidewall spacers 428 and 430 configured as shown in FIG. 28 b.N-type source 420 consists of a very heavily doped main portion 420M anda more lightly doped, but still heavily doped, lateral drain extension420E. Field insulation 432 of the shallow trench isolation typepenetrates into n-type drain 422 so as to laterally surround an externalcontact portion of drain 422. Gate electrode 426 extends over fieldinsulation 432 partway to the external contact portion of drain 422.Aside from p-type body material 418 being constituted with a filled mainwell region rather than an empty main well region, referenceextended-drain IGFET 416 is configured largely the same as simulatedinventive IGFET 412.

Area 434 in FIG. 28 b indicates the situs of maximum impact ionizationin reference extended-drain IGFET 416. As shown in FIG. 28 b, situs 434of maximum impact ionization occurs along the upper semiconductorsurface largely where the pn junction 436 between drain 422 andfilled-well body material 418 meets the upper semiconductor surface.Secondary electrons produced by impact ionization in reference IGFET 416can readily enter gate dielectric layer 424 and lodge there to cause theperformance of reference IGFET 416 to deteriorate. Because maximumimpact ionization situs 414 is well below the upper semiconductorsurface of inventive IGFET 412, far fewer secondary electrons generatedby impact ionization in inventive IGFET 412 reach its gate dielectriclayer 344 and cause threshold voltage drift. The computer simulations ofFIGS. 27 and 28 confirm that extended-drain IGFETs 104 and 106 haveenhanced reliability and lifetime.

E9. Extended-Drain IGFETs with Specially Tailored Halo Pocket Portions

Complementary extended-drain extended-voltage IGFETs 104 and 106 areprovided in respective variations 104U and 106U (not shown) in whichsource-side halo pocket portions 326 and 366 are respectively replacedwith a moderately doped p-type source-side halo pocket portion 326U (notshown) and a moderately doped n-type source-side halo pocket portion366U (not shown). Source-side pocket portions 326U and 366U arespecially tailored for enabling complementary extended-drainextended-voltage IGFETs 104U and 106U to have reduced S-D currentleakage when they are in their biased-off states.

Aside from the special tailoring of the halo-pocket dopant distributionsin halo pockets 326U and 366U and the slightly modified dopantdistributions that occur in adjacent portions of IGFETs 104U and 106Udue to the fabrication techniques used to create the special halo-pocketdopant distributions, IGFETs 104U and 106U are respectively configuredsubstantially the same as IGFETs 104 and 106. Subject to having reducedoff-state S/D current leakage, IGFETs 104U and 106U respectively alsooperate substantially the same, and have the same advantages, as IGFETs104 and 106.

P halo pocket portion 326U of extended-drain n-channel IGFET 104U ispreferably formed with the same steps as p halo pocket portion 250U ofasymmetric n-channel IGFET 100U. P halo pocket 326U of IGFET 104U thenhas the same characteristics, described above, as p halo pocket 250U ofIGFET 100U. Accordingly, halo pocket 326U preferably has the same pluralnumber M of local maxima in concentration N_(T) of the total p-typedopant as halo pocket 250U when the p-type source halo dopant in pocket250U is distributed in the first way described above. When the p-typesource halo dopant in halo pocket 250U is distributed in the second waydescribed above, the total p-type dopant in pocket 326U has the samepreferably relatively flat vertical profile from the upper semiconductorsurface to a depth y of at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, of depthy of pocket 326U along an imaginary vertical line extending throughpocket 326U to the side of source extension 320E without necessarilyreaching multiple local maxima along the portion of that vertical linein pocket 326U.

Similarly, n halo pocket portion 366U of extended-drain p-channel IGFET106U is preferably formed with the same steps as n halo pocket portion290U of asymmetric p-channel IGFET 102U. This causes halo pocket 366U ofp-channel IGFET 106U to have the same characteristics, also describedabove, as n halo pocket 290U of p-channel IGFET 102U. Consequently, halopocket 366U preferably has the same plural number M of local maxima inconcentration N_(I) of the n-type source halo dopant as halo pocket whenthe n-type source halo dopant in pocket 290U is distributed in the firstway described above. When the n-type source halo dopant in halo pocket290U is distributed in the second way described above, the total n-typedopant in pocket 366U has the same preferably relatively flat verticalprofile from the upper semiconductor surface to a depth y of at least50%, preferably at least 60%, of depth y of pocket 366U along animaginary vertical line extending through pocket 366U to the side ofsource extension 360E without necessarily reaching multiple local maximaalong the portion of that vertical line in pocket 366U.

F. Symmetric Low-Voltage Low-Leakage IGFETs

F1. Structure of Symmetric Low-Voltage Low-Leakage N-Channel IGFET

Next, the internal structure of the illustrated symmetric IGFETs isdescribed beginning with symmetric low-voltage low-leakage filled-wellcomplementary IGFETs 108 and 110 of increased V_(T) magnitudes (comparedto the nominal V_(T) magnitudes of respective IGFETs 120 and 122). Anexpanded view of the core of n-channel IGFET 108 as depicted in FIG.11.3 is shown in FIG. 29. IGFET 108 has a pair of n-type S/D zones 440and 442 situated in active semiconductor island 148 along the uppersemiconductor surface. S/D zones 440 and 442 are separated by a channelzone 444 of p-type filled main well region 188 which, in combinationwith p− substrate region 136, constitutes the body material for IGFET108. P-type body-material filled well 188 forms (a) a first pn junction446 with n-type S/D zone 440 and (b) a second pn junction 448 withn-type S/D zone 442.

S/D zones 440 and 442 are largely identical. Each n-type S/D zone 440 or442 consists of a very heavily doped main portion 440M or 442M and amore lightly doped, but still heavily doped, lateral extension 440E or442E. External electrical contacts to source 440 and drain 442 arerespectively made via main source portion 440M and main drain portion442M. Since S/D zones 440 and 442 are largely identical, n++ main S/Dportions 440M and 442M are largely identical. N+ S/D extensions 440E and442E likewise are largely identical.

Main S/D portions 440M and 442M extend deeper than S/D extensions 440Eand 442E. Accordingly, the maximum depth y_(SD) of each S/D zone 440 or442 is the maximum depth of main S/D portion 440M or 442M. Channel zone444 is terminated along the upper semiconductor surface by S/Dextensions 440E and 442E. Main S/D portions 440M and 442M are definedwith the n-type main S/D dopant. S/D extensions 440E and 442E arenormally defined by ion implantation of n-type semiconductor dopantreferred to as the n-type shallow S/D-extension dopant.

A pair of moderately doped laterally separated halo pocket portions 450and 452 of p-type body-material filled main well 188 respectively extendalong S/D zones 440 and 442 up to the upper semiconductor surface andterminate at respective locations between S/D zones 440 and 442. P halopockets 450 and 452 are largely identical. FIGS. 11.3 and 29 illustratethe situation in which S/D zones 440 and 442 extend deeper than halopockets 450 and 452. Alternatively, halo pockets 450 and 452 can extenddeeper than S/D zones 440 and 442. Halo pockets 450 and 452 thenrespectively extend laterally under S/D zones 440 and 442. Ionimplantation of p-type semiconductor dopant referred to as the p-typeS/D halo dopant, or as the p-type S/D-adjoining pocket dopant, isnormally employed in defining halo pockets 450 and 452. The p-type S/Dhalo dopant reaches a maximum concentration in each halo pocket 450 or452 at a location below the upper semiconductor surface.

The material of p-type body-material filled main well 188 outside halopocket portions 450 and 452 consists of a moderately doped mainbody-material portion 454, a moderately doped intermediate body-materialportion 456, and a moderately doped upper body-material portion 458. Pmain body-material portion 454 overlies p− substrate region 136. Pintermediate body-material portion 456 overlies main body-materialportion 454. Each of body-material portions 454 and 456 extendslaterally below at least substantially all of channel zone 444 andnormally laterally below substantially all of each of channel zone 444and S/D zones 440 and 442. P upper body-material portion 458 overliesintermediate body-material portion 456, extends vertically to the uppersemiconductor surface, and extends laterally between halo pocketportions 450 and 452.

P body-material portions 454, 456, and 458 are normally respectivelydefined by ion implantations of the p-type filled main well dopant, APT,and threshold-adjust dopants. Although body-material portions 454, 456,and 458 are all described here as moderately doped, the p-type filledmain well, APT, and threshold-adjust dopants have concentrations thatreach maximum values at different average depths. Body-material portions454, 456, and 458 are often referred to here respectively as pfilled-well main body-material portion 454, p APT body-material portion456, and p threshold-adjust body-material portion 458.

The deep p-type filled-well local concentration maximum produced by thep-type filled main well dopant in filled main well 188 occurs deeperthan each of the shallow p-type filled-well local concentration maximaproduced by the p-type APT and threshold-adjust dopants in well 188.Also, the local concentration maximum resulting from each of the p-typefilled main well, APT, and threshold-adjust dopants extendssubstantially fully laterally across well 188. Consequently, the p-typeAPT and threshold-adjust dopants fill the well region otherwise definedby the p-type filled main well dopant at the location of well 188.

The deep filled-well concentration maximum produced by the p-type filledmain well dopant in p-type filled-well main body-material portion 454occurs below channel zone 444 and S/D zones 440 and 442 at a locationthat extends laterally below at least substantially all of channel zone444 and normally laterally below substantially all of each of channelzone 444 and S/D zones 440 and 442. The location of the filled-wellconcentration maximum provided by the p-type filled main well dopant inbody-material portion 454 is, as indicated above, normally atapproximately the same average depth y_(PWPK) as the concentrationmaximum of the p-type empty main well dopant and thus normally at anaverage depth of 0.4-0.8 μm, typically 0.55-0.6 μm.

The shallow filled-well concentration maximum produced by the p-type APTdopant in p-type APT body-material portion 456 occurs at a location thatextends laterally across at least substantially the full lateral extentof channel zone 444 and normally laterally across at least substantiallythe full composite lateral extent of channel zone 444 and S/D zones 440and 442. The location of the filled-well concentration maximum providedby the p-type APT dopant is typically slightly below the bottoms ofchannel zone 444 and S/D zones 440 and 442 but can be slightly above, orsubstantially coincident with, the bottoms of channel zone 444 and S/Dzones 440 and 442. As indicated above, the location of the maximumconcentration of the p-type APT dopant normally occurs at an averagedepth of more than 0.1 μm but not more than 0.4 μm. The average depth ofthe maximum concentration of the p-type APT dopant in body-materialportion 456 is typically 0.25 μm.

The shallow filled-well concentration maximum produced by the p-typethreshold-adjust dopant in p-type threshold-adjust body-material portion458 similarly occurs at a location that extends laterally across atleast substantially the full lateral extent of channel zone 444 andnormally laterally across at least substantially the full compositelateral extent of channel-zone 444 and S/D zones 440 and 442. Hence, thelocation of the filled-well concentration maximum provided by the p-typethreshold dopant extends laterally beyond upper body-material portioninto halo pocket portions 450 and 452 and S/D zones 440 and 442. Thelocation of the maximum concentration of the p-type threshold-adjustdopant in body-material portion 458 is normally at an average depth ofless than 0.1 μm, typically 0.08-0.09 μm. Also, the maximumconcentration of the p-type threshold-adjust dopant in main filled well188 is normally significantly less than the maximum concentrations ofthe p-type filled main well, APT, and S/D halo dopants in well 188.

Channel zone 444 (not specifically demarcated in FIG. 11.3 or 29)consists of all the p-type monosilicon between S/D zones 440 and 442. Inparticular, channel zone 444 is formed by threshold-adjust body-materialportion 458, an underlying segment of APT body-material portion 456, and(a) all of p halo pocket portion 450 and 452 if S/D zones 440 and 442extend deeper than halo pockets 450 and 452 as illustrated in theexample of FIGS. 11.3 and 29 or (b) surface-adjoining segments of halopockets 450 and 452 if they extend deeper than S/D zones 440 and 442.Since the maximum concentration of the p-type threshold-adjust dopant inmain filled well 188 is normally significantly less than the maximumconcentration of the p-type S/D halo dopant in well 188, halo pockets450 and 452 are more heavily doped p-type than the directly adjacentmaterial of well 188.

A gate dielectric layer 460 at the t_(GdL) low thickness value issituated on the upper semiconductor surface and extends over channelzone 444. A gate electrode 462 is situated on gate dielectric layer 460above channel zone 444. Gate electrode 462 extends partially over S/Dzones 440 and 442. In particular, gate electrode 462 extends over partof each n+ S/D extension 440E or 442E but normally not over any part ofeither n++ main S/D portion 440M or 442M. Dielectric sidewall spacers464 and 466 are situated respectively along the opposite transversesidewalls of gate electrode 462. Metal silicide layers 468, 470, and 472are respectively situated along the tops of gate electrode 462 and mainS/D portions 440M and 442M.

F2. Dopant Distributions in Symmetric Low-Voltage Low-Leakage N-ChannelIGFET

An understanding of the doping characteristics of IGFET 108 isfacilitated with the assistance of FIGS. 30 a-30 c (collectively “FIG.30”), FIGS. 31 a-31 c (collectively “FIG. 31”), and FIGS. 32 a-32 c(collectively “FIG. 32”). Exemplary dopant concentrations along theupper semiconductor surface as a function of longitudinal distance x forIGFET 108 are presented in FIG. 30. FIG. 31 presents exemplary verticaldopant concentrations as a function of depth y along imaginary verticallines 474 and 476 through main S/D portions 440M and 442M at symmetricallocations from the longitudinal center of channel zone 444. Exemplarydopant concentrations as a function of depth y along an imaginaryvertical line 478 through channel zone 444 and body-material portions454, 456, and 458 are presented in FIG. 32. Line 478 passes through thechannel zone's longitudinal center.

FIGS. 30 a, 31 a, and 32 a specifically illustrate concentrations N_(I)of the individual semiconductor dopants that largely define regions 136,440M, 440E, 442M, 442E, 450, 452, 454, 456, and 458. Curves 440M′,442M′, 440E′, and 442E′ in FIGS. 30 a, 31 a, and 32 a representconcentrations N_(I) (surface and vertical) of the n-type dopants usedto respectively form main S/D portions 440M and 442M and S/D extensions440E and 442E. Curves 136′, 450′, 452′, 454′, 456′, and 458′ representconcentrations N_(I) (surface and/or vertical) of the p-type dopantsused to respectively form substrate region 136, halo pocket portions 450and 452, and filled-well body-material portions 454, 456, and 458. Curve458′ is labeled in FIG. 32 a but, due to limited space, is not labeledin FIG. 31 a. Items 446 ^(#) and 448 ^(#) indicate where net dopantconcentration N_(N) goes to zero and thus respectively indicate thelocations of S/D-body junctions 446 and 448.

Concentrations N_(T) of the total p-type and total n-type dopants inregions 440M, 440E, 442M, 442M, 450, 452, and 458 along the uppersemiconductor surface are shown in FIG. 30 b. FIGS. 31 b and 32 bvariously depict concentrations N_(T) of the total p-type and totaln-type dopants in regions 440M, 442M, 454, 456, and 458 along imaginaryvertical lines 474, 476, and 478. Curve segments 136″, 450″, 452″, 454″,456″, and 458″ respectively corresponding to regions 136, 450, 452, 454,456, and 458 represent total concentrations N_(T) of the p-type dopants.Item 444″ in FIG. 30 b corresponds to channel zone 444 and representsthe channel-zone portions of curve segments 450″, 452″ and 458″. Item188″ in FIGS. 31 b and 32 b corresponds to filled well region 188.Curves 440M″, 442M″, 440E″, and 442E″ respectively corresponding to mainS/D portions 440M and 440E and S/D extensions 440E and 442E representtotal concentrations N_(T) of the n-type dopants. Item 440″ in FIG. 30 bcorresponds to S/D zone 440 and represents the combination of curvesegments 440M″ and 440E″. Item 442″ similarly corresponds to S/D zone442 and represents the combination of curve segments 442M″ and 442E″.

FIG. 30 c illustrates net dopant concentration N_(N) along the uppersemiconductor surface. Net dopant concentration N_(N) along verticallines 474, 476, and 478 is presented in FIGS. 30 c, 31 c, and 32 c.Curve segments 450*, 452*, 454*, 456*, and 458* represent netconcentrations N_(N) of the p-type dopant in respective regions 450,452, 454, 456, and 458. Item 444* in FIG. 30 c represents thecombination of channel-zone curve segments 450*, 452*, and 458* and thuspresents concentration N_(N) of the net p-type dopant in channel zone444. Item 188* in FIGS. 31 c and 32 c corresponds to filled well region188. Concentrations N_(N) of the net n-type dopants in main S/D portions440M and 442M and S/D extensions 440E and 442E are respectivelyrepresented by curve segments 440M*, 442M*, 440E*, and 442E*. Item 440*in FIG. 30 c corresponds to S/D zone 440 and represents the combinationof curve segments 440M* and 440E*. Item 442* similarly corresponds toS/D zone 442 and represents the combination of curve segments 442M* and442E*.

Main S/D portions 440M and 442M are normally defined with the n-typemain S/D dopant whose concentration N_(I) along the upper semiconductorsurface is represented here by curves 440M′ and 442M′ in FIG. 30 a. Then-type shallow S/D-extension dopant with concentration N_(I) along theupper semiconductor surface represented by curves 440F and 442E′ in FIG.30 a is present in main S/D portions 440M and 442M. Comparison of curves440M′ and 442M′ respectively to curves 440F and 442E′ shows that themaximum values of concentration N_(T) of the total n-type dopant in S/Dzones 440 and 442 along the upper semiconductor surface respectivelyoccur in main S/D portions 440M and 442M as respectively indicated bycurve segments 440M″ and 442M″ in FIG. 30 b.

The maximum values of net dopant concentration N_(N) in S/D zones 440and 442 along the upper semiconductor surface respectively occur in mainS/D portions 440M and 442M as respectively indicated by curve portions440M* and 442M* in FIG. 30 c. In moving from main S/D portion 440M or442M along the upper semiconductor surface to S/D extension 440E or442E, concentration N_(T) of the total n-type dopant in S/D zone 440 or442 drops from the maximum value in main S/D portion 440M or 442M to alower value in S/D extension 440E or 442E as shown by composite S/Dcurve 440″ or 442″ in FIG. 30 b.

The p-type background, filled main well, APT, and threshold-adjustdopants with concentrations N_(I) along the upper semiconductor surfacerespectively represented by curves 136′, 454′, 456′, and 458′ in FIG. 30a are present in S/D zones 440 and 442. In addition, the p-type S/D halodopant with concentration N_(I) along the upper semiconductor surfacerepresented by curves 450′ and 452′ is present in S/D zones 440 and 442.

Comparison of FIG. 30 b to FIG. 30 a shows that upper-surfaceconcentrations N_(T) of the total n-type dopant in S/D zones 440 and442, represented by curves 440″ and 442″ in FIG. 30 b, is much greaterthan the sum of upper-surface concentrations N_(I) of the p-typebackground, S/D halo, filled main well, APT, and threshold-adjustdopants except close to S/D-body junctions 446 and 448. Subject to netdopant concentration N_(N) going to zero at junctions 446 and 448,upper-surface concentrations N_(T) of the total n-type dopant in S/Dzones 440 and 442 are respectively largely reflected in upper-surfaceconcentrations N_(N) of the net n-type dopant in S/D zones 440 and 442respectively represented by curve segments 440M* and 442M* in FIG. 30 c.The maximum value of net dopant concentration N_(N) in S/D zone 440 or442 along the upper semiconductor surface thus occurs in main S/Dportion 440M or 442M. This maximum N_(N) value is normally largely thesame as the maximum value of net dopant concentration N_(N) in mainsource portion 240M or main drain portion 242M of asymmetric IGFET 102since main source portion 240M, main drain portion 242M, and main S/Dportions 440M and 442M are all normally defined with the n-type main S/Ddopant.

The p-type S/D halo dopant which defines halo pocket portions 450 and452 is present in S/D zones 440 and 442 as shown by curves 450′ and 452′that represent the p-type S/D halo dopant. Concentration N_(I) of thep-type S/D halo dopant is at a substantially constant value across partor all of the upper surface of each S/D zone 440 or 442. In moving fromeach S/D zone 440 or 442 into channel zone 444 along the uppersemiconductor surface, concentration N_(I) of the p-type S/D halo dopantdrops from this essentially constant value substantially to zero inchannel zone 444 as shown in FIG. 30 a. Since IGFET 108 is a symmetricdevice, concentration N_(I) of the p-type S/D halo dopant is zero alongthe upper surface of channel zone 444 at a location which includes theupper-surface longitudinal center of IGFET 108. If channel zone 444 issufficiently short that halo pockets 450 and 452 merge together,concentration N_(I) of the p-type S/D halo dopant to a minimum valuealong the upper surface of channel zone 444 rather than substantially tozero. The points at which concentration N_(I) of the p-type S/D halodopant start dropping to zero or to this minimum value along the uppersemiconductor surface may occur (a) within S/D zones 440 and 442, (b)largely at S/D-body junctions 446 and 448 as generally indicated in FIG.30 a, or (c) within channel zone 444.

Besides the p-type S/D halo dopant, channel zone 444 contains the p-typebackground, filled main well, APT, and threshold-adjust dopants.Concentration N_(I) of the p-type threshold-adjust dopant represented bycurve 458′ in FIG. 30 a is normally 1×10¹⁷−5×10¹⁷ atoms/cm³, typically2×10¹⁷−3×10¹⁷ atoms/cm³ along the upper semiconductor surface. FIG. 30 ashows that, along the upper semiconductor surface, concentration N_(I)of the p-type threshold-adjust dopant is considerably greater than thecombined concentrations N_(I) of the p-type background, filled mainwell, and APT dopants respectively represented by curves 136′, 454′, and456′. The constant value of upper-surface concentration N_(I) of thep-type S/D halo dopant is considerably greater than upper-surfaceconcentration N_(I) of the p-type threshold-adjust dopant.

In moving from each S/D/body junction 446 or 448 along the uppersemiconductor surface into channel zone 444, concentration N_(T) of thetotal p-type dopant represented by curve 444″ in FIG. 30 b drops from ahigh value to a minimum value slightly greater than the upper-surfacevalue of concentration N_(I) of the p-type threshold-adjust dopant.Concentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant is at this minimum valuefor a non-zero portion of the longitudinal distance between S/D zones440 and 442. This portion of the longitudinal distance between S/D zones440 and 442 includes the longitudinal center of channel zone 444 and islargely centered between S/D-body junctions 446 and 448 along the uppersemiconductor surface. As shown by curve 444* in FIG. 30 c,concentration N_(N) of the net p-type dopant in channel zone 444 alongthe upper semiconductor largely repeats upper-surface concentrationN_(T) of the total p-type dopant in channel zone 444 subject to netconcentration N_(N) going to zero at S/D-body junctions 446 and 448.

If halo pocket portions 450 and 452 merge together, concentration N_(T)of the total p-type dopant drops from a high value to a minimum valuesubstantially at the longitudinal center of channel zone 444 in movingfrom each S/D/body junction 446 or 448 along the upper semiconductorsurface into channel zone 444. In this case, the minimum value ofupper-surface concentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant in channelzone 444 is suitably greater than the upper-surface value ofconcentration N_(I) of the p-type threshold-adjust dopant depending onhow much halo pockets 450 and 452 merge together.

The characteristics of p-type filled main well region 188 formed withhalo pocket portions 450 and 452 and body-material portions 454, 456,and 458 are now examined with reference to FIGS. 31 and 32. As withchannel zone 444, the total p-type dopant in p-type main well region 188consists of the p-type background, S/D halo, filled main well, APT, andthreshold-adjust dopants represented respectively by curve segments136′, 450′ or 452′, 454′, 456′, and 458′ in FIGS. 31 a and 32 a. Exceptnear halo pocket portions 450 and 452, the total p-type dopant in filledmain well 188 consists only of the p-type background, empty main well,APT, and threshold-adjust dopants. With the p-type filled main well,APT, and threshold-adjust dopants being ion implanted into themonosilicon of IGFET 108, concentration N_(I) of each of the p-typefilled main well, APT, and threshold-adjust dopants reaches a localsubsurface maximum in the monosilicon of IGFET 108. Concentration N_(I)of the n-type S/D halo dopant reaches an additional local subsurfacemaximum in S/D zone 440 or 442 and halo pocket portion 450 or 452.

Concentration N_(I) of the p-type filled main well dopant, asrepresented by curve 454′ in FIGS. 31 a and 31 b, decreases by at leasta factor of 10, normally by at least a factor of 20, commonly by atleast a factor of 40, in moving from the location of the maximumconcentration of the p-type filled main well dopant approximately atdepth y_(PWPK) upward along vertical line 474, 476, or 478 to the uppersemiconductor surface. FIGS. 31 a and 32 a present an example in whichconcentration N_(I) of the p-type filled main well dopant decreases bymore than a factor of 80, in the vicinity of 100, in moving from they_(PWPK) location of the maximum concentration of the p-type filled mainwell dopant upward along line 474, 476, or 478 to the uppersemiconductor surface. The upward movement along line 474 or 476 isthrough the overlying parts of body-material portions 454 and 456 andthen through S/D zone 440 or 442, specifically through main S/D portion440M or 442M. The upward movement along line 478 passing through channelzone 444 is solely through body-material portions 454, 456, and 458.

Curve 188″ representing concentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopantin p-type filled main well 188 consists, in FIG. 31 b, of curve segments454″, 456″, and 450″ or 452″ respectively representing concentrationsN_(T) of the total p-type dopants in body-material portions 454, 456,and 450 or 452. Upon comparing FIG. 31 b to FIG. 31 a, curve 188″ inFIG. 31 b shows that concentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant inmain well 188 has three local subsurface maxima along vertical line 474or 476 respectively corresponding to the local subsurface maxima inconcentrations N_(I) of the p-type filled main well, APT, and S/D halodopants. With the subsurface concentration maximum of the p-type filledmain well dopant occurring at approximately depth y_(PWPK), the threelocal subsurface maxima in concentration N_(T) of the total p-typedopant along line 474 or 476 flatten out curve 188″ from depth y_(PWPK)to the upper semiconductor surface.

Concentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant may increase somewhat ordecrease somewhat in moving from depth y_(PWPK) upward along verticalline 474 or 476 through the overlying parts of body-material portions454 and 458 and through S/D zone 440 or 442 to the upper semiconductorsurface. FIG. 31 b presents an example in which concentration N_(T) ofthe total p-type dopant along line 474 or 476 is slightly more at theupper surface of S/D zone 440 or 442 than at depth y_(PWPK). Ifconcentration N_(T) of the p-type filled main well dopant decreases inmoving from depth y_(PWPK) upward along line 474 or 476 to the uppersemiconductor surface, the N_(T) concentration decrease from depthy_(PWPK) along line 474 or 476 through the overlying parts ofbody-material portions 454 and 458 and through S/D zone 440 or 442 tothe upper semiconductor surface is less than a factor of 10, preferablyless than a factor of 5. The variation in the N_(T) concentration alongline 474 or 476 is usually sufficiently small that concentration N_(T)of the total p-type dopant from depth y_(PWPK) to the uppersemiconductor surface along line 474 or 476 is in the regime of moderatep-type doping.

Referring to FIG. 31 c, curve 188* representing concentration N_(N) ofthe net p-type dopant in p-type filled main well 188 consists of curvesegments 454* and 456* respectively representing concentrations N_(N) ofthe net p-type dopants in body-material portions 454 and 456. Incomparing FIG. 31 c to FIG. 31 b, curve 188* in FIG. 31 c shows thatconcentration N_(T) of the net p-type dopant in main well 188 has twolocal subsurface maxima along vertical line 474 or 476 respectivelycorresponding to the local subsurface maxima in concentrations N_(I) ofthe p-type filled main well and APT dopants.

As to the n-type vertical dopant distributions in S/D zones 440 and 442,curve 440M′ or 442M′ in FIG. 31 a for concentration N_(I) of the n-typemain S/D dopant in S/D zone 440 or 442 is largely identical to each ofcurves 240M′ and 242M′ in FIGS. 14 a and 18 a for IGFET 100. Similarly,curve 440E′ or 442E′ in FIG. 31 a for concentration N_(I) of the n-typeshallow S/D-extension dopant in S/D zone 440 or 442 is largely identicalto each of curves 240E′ and 242E′ in FIGS. 14 a and 18 a. Hence, curve440M″ or 442M″ in FIG. 31 b for concentration N_(T) of the total n-typedopant in S/D zone 440 or 442 is largely identical to each of curves240M″ and 242M″ in FIGS. 14 b and 18 b for IGFET 100. Subject to thepresence of the p-type APT and threshold-adjust dopants, curve 440M* or442M* in FIG. 31 c for concentration N_(N) of the net n-type dopant inS/D zone 440 or 442 is similar to each of curves 240M* and 242M* inFIGS. 14 c and 18 c for IGFET 108.

Curve 188″ in FIG. 32 b consists of curve segments 454″, 456″, and 458″respectively representing concentrations N_(T) of the total p-typedopants in body-material portions 454, 456, and 458. Upon comparing FIG.32 b to FIG. 32 a, curve 188″ in FIG. 32 b shows that concentrationN_(T) of the total p-type dopant in main well 188 has three localsubsurface maxima along vertical line 478 respectively corresponding tothe local subsurface maxima in concentrations N_(I) of the p-type filledmain well, APT, and threshold-adjust dopants. Similar to what occursalong vertical line 474 or 476 through S/D zone 440 or 442, the threelocal subsurface maxima in concentration N_(T) of the total p-typedopant along line 478 through channel zone 444 flatten out curve 188″from depth y_(PWPK) to the upper semiconductor surface.

Also similar to what occurs along vertical line 474 or 476 through S/Dzone 440 or 442, concentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant mayincrease somewhat or decrease somewhat in moving from depth y_(PWPK)upward along vertical line 478 through channel zone 444 to the uppersemiconductor surface. FIG. 32 b presents an example in whichconcentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant along line 474 or 476 issomewhat less at the upper surface of channel zone 444 than at depthy_(PWPK). The variation in the N_(T) concentration along line 478 isusually sufficiently small that concentration N_(T) of the total p-typedopant from depth y_(PWPK) to the upper semiconductor surface along line478 is in the regime of moderate p-type doping. Main well region 188 istherefore a filled well.

The maximum concentration of the p-type APT dopant at theabove-mentioned typical depth of 0.25 μm is normally 2×10¹⁷−6×10¹⁷atoms/cm³, typically 4×10¹⁷ atoms/cm³. The maximum concentration of thep-type threshold-adjust dopant is normally 2×10¹⁷−1×10¹⁸ atoms/cm³,typically 3×10¹⁷-3.5×10¹⁷ atoms/cm³, and occurs at a depth of no morethan 0.2 μm, typically 0.1 μm. Due to these characteristics of thep-type threshold-adjust dopant, threshold voltage V_(T) of symmetriclow-voltage low-leakage IGFET 108 is normally 0.3 V to 0.55 V, typically0.4 V to 0.45 V, at a drawn channel length L_(DR) of 0.13 μm for ashort-channel implementation and at a gate dielectric thickness of 2 nm.

The S-D current leakage in the biased-off state of IGFET 108 is very lowdue to optimization of the IGFET's dopant distribution and gatedielectric characteristics. Compared to a symmetric n-channel IGFETwhich utilizes an empty p-type well region, the increased amount ofp-type semiconductor dopant near the upper surface of filled main wellregion 188 enables IGFET 108 to have very low off-state S-D currentleakage in exchange for an increased value of threshold voltage V_(T).IGFET 108 is particularly suitable for low-voltage core digitalapplications, e.g., a typical voltage range of 1.2 V, that require lowS-D current leakage in the biased-off state and can accommodate slightlyelevated V_(T) magnitude.

F3. Symmetric Low-Voltage Low-Leakage P-Channel IGFET

Low-voltage low-leakage p-channel IGFET 110 is configured basically thesame as low-voltage low-leakage n-channel IGFET 108 with theconductivity types reversed. Referring again to FIG. 11.3, p-channelIGFET 110 has a pair of largely identical p-type S/D zones 480 and 482situated in active semiconductor island 150 along the uppersemiconductor surface. S/D zones 480 and 482 are separated by a channelzone 484 of n-type filled main well region 190 which constitutes thebody material for IGFET 110. N-type body-material filled well 190 forms(a) a first pn junction 486 with p-type S/D zone 480 and (b) a second pnjunction 488 with p-type S/D zone 482.

Subject to the body material for p-channel IGFET 110 being formed with afilled main well rather than the combination of a filled main well andunderlying material of the semiconductor body as occurs with n-channelIGFET 108, p-channel IGFET 110 is configured the same as n-channel IGFET108 with the conductivity types reversed. Accordingly, p-channel IGFET110 contains largely identical moderately doped n-type halo pocketportions 490 and 492, a moderately doped n-type main body-materialportion 494, a moderately doped n-type intermediate body-materialportion 496, a moderately doped n-type upper body-material portion 498,a gate dielectric layer 500 at the t_(GdL) low thickness value, a gateelectrode 502, dielectric sidewall spacers 504 and 506, and metalsilicide layers 508, 510, and 512 configured respectively the same asregions 450, 452, 454, 456, 458, 460, 462, 464, 466, 468, 470, and 472of n-channel IGFET 108. N halo pocket portions 490 and 492 are definedwith n-type semiconductor dopant referred to as the n-type S/D halodopant or as the n-type S/D-adjoining pocket dopant.

N main body-material portion 494 overlies p− substrate region 136 andforms pn junction 230 with it. Also, each p-type S/D zone 480 or 482consists of a very heavily doped main portion 480M or 482M and a morelightly doped, but still heavily doped, lateral extension 480E or 482E.Main S/D portions 480M and 482M are defined with the p-type main S/Ddopant. S/D extensions 480E and 482E are defined with p-typesemiconductor dopant referred to as the p-type shallow S/D-extensiondopant. All of the comments made about the doping of p-type filled mainwell 188 of n-channel IGFET 108 apply to n-type filled main well 190 ofp-channel IGFET 110 with the conductivity types reversed and withregions 188, 440, 442, 444, 450, 452, 454, 456, and 458 of n-channelIGFET 108 respectively replaced with regions 190, 480, 482, 484, 490,492, 494, 496, and 498 of p-channel IGFET 110.

Subject to minor perturbations due to the presence of the p-typebackground dopant, the lateral and vertical dopant distributions inp-channel IGFET 110 are essentially the same as the lateral and verticaldopant distributions in n-channel IGFET 108 with the conductivity typesreversed. The dopant distributions in p-channel IGFET 110 arefunctionally the same as the dopant distributions in n-channel IGFET108. P-channel IGFET 110 operates substantially the same as n-channelIGFET 108 with the voltage polarities reversed.

Threshold voltage V_(T) of symmetric low-voltage low-leakage p-channelIGFET 110 is normally −0.3 V to −0.5 V, typically −0.4 V, at a drawnchannel length L_(DR) of 0.13 μm for a short-channel implementation andat a gate dielectric thickness of 2 nm. Similar to what arises withn-channel IGFET 108, the increased amount of n-type semiconductor dopantnear the upper surface of filled main well region 190 enables p-channelIGFET 108 to have very low off-state S-D current leakage in exchange foran increased magnitude of threshold voltage V_(T) compared to asymmetric p-channel IGFET which utilizes an empty n-type well region. Aswith n-channel IGFET 108, p-channel IGFET 110 is particularly suitablefor low-voltage core digital applications, e.g., an operational range of1.2 V, which require low S-D current leakage in the biased-off state andcan accommodate slightly elevated V_(T) magnitude.

G. Symmetric Low-Voltage Low-Threshold-Voltage IGFETs

Symmetric low-voltage low-V_(T) empty-well complementary IGFETs 112 and114 are described with reference only to FIG. 11.4. N-channel IGFET 112has a pair of largely identical n-type S/D zones 520 and 522 situated inactive semiconductor island 152 along the upper semiconductor surface.S/D zones 520 and 522 are separated by a channel zone 524 of p-type,empty main well region 192 which, in combination with p− substrateregion 136, constitutes the body material for IGFET 112. P-typebody-material empty well 192 forms (a) a first pn junction 526 withn-type S/D zone 520 and (b) a second pn junction 528 with n-type S/Dzone 522.

Each n-type S/D zone 520 or 522 consists of a very heavily doped mainportion 520M or 522M and a more lightly doped, but still heavily doped,lateral extension 520E or 522E. Largely identical n+ S/D extensions 520Eand 522E, which terminate channel zone 524 along the upper semiconductorsurface, extend deeper than largely identical n++ main S/D portions 520Mand 522M. In fact, each S/D-body junction 526 or 528 is solely a pnjunction between empty well 192 and S/D extension 520E or 522E.

S/D extensions 520E and 522E are, as described below, normally definedby ion implantation of the n-type deep S/D-extension dopant at the sametime as drain extension 242 of asymmetric n-channel IGFET 100. Then-type shallow S/D-extension implantation used to define S/D extensions440E and 442 of symmetric low-voltage low-leakage n-channel IGFET 108is, as indicated below, performed more shallowly than the n-type deepS/D-extension implantation. As a result, S/D extensions 520E and 522E ofsymmetric empty-well IGFET 112, also a low-voltage n-channel device,extend deeper than S/D extensions 440E and 442E of symmetric filled-wellIGFET 108.

The p-type dopant in p-type body-material empty main well 192 consistsof the p-type empty main well dopant and the substantially constantp-type background dopant of p− substrate region 136. Since the p-typeempty main well dopant in empty well 192 reaches a deep subsurfaceconcentration maximum at average depth y_(PWPK), the presence of thep-type empty main well dopant in well 192 causes the concentration ofthe total p-type dopant in well 192 to reach a deep local subsurfaceconcentration maximum substantially at the location of the deepsubsurface concentration maximum in well 192. In moving from thelocation of the deep p-type empty-well concentration maximum in emptywell 192 toward the upper semiconductor surface along an imaginaryvertical line through channel zone 524, the concentration of the p-typedopant in well 192 drops gradually from a moderate doping, indicated bysymbol “p”, to a light doping, indicated by symbol “p−”. Dotted line 530in FIG. 11.4 roughly represents the location below which the p-typedopant concentration in empty well 192 is at the moderate p doping andabove which the p-type dopant concentration in well 192 is at the lightp− doping.

IGFET 112 does not have halo pocket portions which are situated inp-type empty main well 192, which extend respectively along S/D zones520 and 522, and which are more heavily doped p-type than adjacentmaterial of well 192. Channel zone 524 (not specifically demarcated inFIG. 11.4), which consists of all the p-type monosilicon between S/Dzones 520 and 522, is thus formed solely by a surface-adjoining segmentof the p− upper part of well 192.

A gate dielectric layer 536 at the t_(GdL) low thickness value issituated on the upper semiconductor surface and extends over channelzone 524. A gate electrode 538 is situated on gate dielectric layer 536above channel zone 524. Gate electrode 538 extends over part of each n+S/D extension 520E or 522E but normally not over any part of either n++main S/D portion 520M or 522M. Dielectric sidewall spacers 540 and 542are situated respectively along the opposite transverse sidewalls ofgate electrode 538. Metal silicide layers 544, 546, and 548 arerespectively situated along the tops of gate electrode 538 and main S/Dportions 520M and 522M.

Empty well region 192 of IGFET 112 is normally defined by ionimplantation of the p-type empty main well dopant at the same time asempty well region 180 of asymmetric n-channel IGFET 100. Main S/Dportions 520M and 522M of IGFET 112 are normally defined by ionimplantation of the n-type main S/D dopant at the same time as mainsource portions 240M and 242M of IGFET 100. Since S/D extensions 520Eand 522E of IGFET 112 are normally defined by ion implantation of then-type deep S/D-extension dopant at the same time as drain extension242E of IGFET 100, the dopant distribution in each S/D zone 520 or 522and the adjacent part of well 192 up to the longitudinal center of IGFET112 is essentially the same as the dopant distribution in drain 242 ofIGFET 100 and the adjacent part of well 180 up to a lateral distanceapproximately equal to the lateral distance from S/D zone 520 or 522 tothe longitudinal center of IGFET 112.

More particularly, the dopant distribution along the upper surface ofeach S/D zone 520 or 522 and the adjacent part of the upper surface ofchannel zone 524 up to the longitudinal center of IGFET 112 isessentially the same as the dopant distribution shown in FIG. 13 for theupper surface of drain 242 of IGFET 100 and the upper surface of theadjacent part of well 180 up to a lateral distance approximately equalto the lateral distance from S/D zone 520 or 522 to the longitudinalcenter of IGFET 112. The vertical dopant distributions along suitableimaginary vertical lines through each S/D extension 520E or 522E andeach main S/D portion 520M or 522M of IGFET 112 are essentially the sameas the vertical dopant distributions shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 alongvertical lines 278E and 278M through drain extension 242E and main drainportion 242M of IGFET 100.

The vertical dopant distribution along an imaginary vertical linethrough the longitudinal center of channel zone 524 of IGFET 112 isessentially the same as the vertical distribution shown in FIG. 16 alongvertical line 276 through channel zone 244 of IGFET 100 even though thelateral distance from drain 240 of IGFET to line 276 may exceed thelateral distance lateral from S/D zone 520 or 522 to the longitudinalcenter of IGFET 112. Subject to the preceding limitations, the commentsmade about the upper-surface and vertical dopant distributions of IGFET100, specifically along the upper surface of drain 242 into channel zone244 along its upper surface and along vertical lines 276, 278E, and278M, apply to the dopant distributions along the upper surfaces of S/Dzones 520 and 522 and channel zone 524 and along the indicated verticallines through each S/D extension 520E or 522E, each main S/D portion520M or 522M, and channel zone 524 of IGFET 112.

Low-voltage low-V_(T) p-channel IGFET 114 is configured basically thesame as n-channel IGFET 112 with the conductivity types reversed. Withreference again to FIG. 11.4, p-channel IGFET 114 has a pair of largelyidentical p-type S/D zones 550 and 552 situated in active semiconductorisland 154 along the upper semiconductor surface. S/D zones 550 and 552are separated by a channel zone 554 of p-type empty main well region 194which constitutes the body material for IGFET 114. N-type body-materialempty well 194 forms (a) a first pn junction 556 with p-type S/D zone550 and (b) a second pn junction 558 with p-type S/D zone 552.

Each p-type S/D zone 550 or 552 consists of a very heavily doped mainportion 550M or 552M and a more lightly doped, but still heavily doped,lateral extension 550E or 552E. Channel zone 554 is terminated along theupper semiconductor surface by S/D extensions 550E and 552E. Largelyidentical p+ S/D extensions 550E and 552E extend deeper than largelyidentical p++ main S/D portions 550M and 552M.

As described below, S/D extensions 550E and 552E are normally defined byion implantation of the p-type deep S/D-extension dopant at the sametime as drain extension 282 of asymmetric p-channel IGFET 102. Thep-type shallow S/D-extension implantation used to define S/D extensions480E and 482 of symmetric low-voltage low-leakage p-channel IGFET 110is, as indicated below, performed more shallowly than the p-type deepS/D-extension implantation. Consequently, S/D extensions 550E and 552Eof symmetric empty-well IGFET 114, also a low-voltage p-channel device,extend deeper than S/D extensions 480E and 482E of symmetric filled-wellIGFET 110.

The n-type dopant in n-type body-material empty main well 194 consistssolely of the n-type empty main well dopant. Hence, the n-type dopant inempty well 194 reaches a deep subsurface concentration maximum ataverage depth y_(NWPK). In moving from the location of the n-typeempty-well concentration maximum in empty well 194 toward the uppersemiconductor surface along an imaginary vertical line through channelzone 554, the concentration of the n-type dopant in well 194 dropsgradually from a moderate doping, indicated by symbol “n”, to a lightdoping, indicated by symbol “n−”. Dotted line 560 in FIG. 11.4 roughlyrepresents the location below which the n-type dopant concentration inempty well 194 is at the moderate n doping and above which the n-typedopant concentration in well 194 is at the light n− doping.

Subject to the preceding comments, p-channel IGFET 114 further includesa gate dielectric layer 566 at the t_(GdL) low thickness value, a gateelectrode 568, dielectric sidewall spacers 570 and 572, and metalsilicide layers 574, 576, and 578 configured respectively the same asregions 536, 538, 540, 542, 544, 546, and 548 of n-channel IGFET 112.Analogous to n-channel IGFET 112, p-channel IGFET 114 does not have halopocket portions. Channel zone 554 (not specifically demarcated in FIG.11.4), which consists of all the n-type monosilicon between S/D zones550 and 552, is formed solely by a surface-adjoining segment of the n−upper part of well 194.

Subject to minor perturbations due to the presence of the p-typebackground dopant, the longitudinal and vertical dopant distributions inp-channel IGFET 114 are essentially the same as the longitudinal andvertical dopant distributions in n-channel IGFET 112 with theconductivity types reversed. The dopant distributions in IGFET 114 arefunctionally the same as the dopant distributions in IGFET 112. IGFET114 functions substantially the same as IGFET 112 with the voltagepolarities reversed.

Threshold voltage V_(T) of each of symmetric low-voltage low-V_(T)IGFETs 112 and 114 is normally −0.01 V to 0.19 V, typically 0.09 V, at adrawn channel length L_(DR) of 0.3 μm and a gate dielectric thickness of2 nm. Accordingly, n-channel IGFET 112 is typically an enhancement-modedevice whereas p-channel IGFET 114 is typically a depletion-mode device.

Compared to a symmetric n-channel IGFET which utilizes a filled p-typewell region, the reduced amount of p-type semiconductor dopant near theupper surface of empty main well region 192 enables n-channel IGFET 112to have a very low value of threshold voltage V_(T). Similarly, thereduced amount of n-type semiconductor dopant near the upper surface ofempty main well region 194 enables p-channel IGFET 114 to have thresholdvoltage V_(T) of very low magnitude compared to a symmetric p-channelIGFET which utilizes a filled n-type well region. IGFETs 112 and 114 areparticularly suitable for low-voltage analog and digital applications,e.g., an operational range of 1.2 V, which require threshold voltagesV_(T) of reduced magnitude and can accommodate somewhat increasedchannel length L.

H. Symmetric High-Voltage IGFETs of Nominal Threshold-Voltage Magnitude

Symmetric high-voltage filled-well complementary IGFETs 116 and 118 ofnominal V_(T) magnitude are described with reference only to FIG. 11.5.N-channel IGFET 116 has a pair of largely identical n-type S/D zones 580and 582 situated in active semiconductor island 156 along the uppersemiconductor surface. S/D zones 580 and 582 are separated by a channelzone 584 of p-type filled main well region 196 which, in combinationwith p− substrate region 136, constitutes the body material for IGFET116. P-type body-material filled well 196 forms (a) a first pn junction586 with n-type S/D zone 580 and (b) a second pn junction 588 withn-type S/D zone 582.

Each n-type S/D zone 580 or 582 consists of a very heavily doped mainportion 580M or 582M and a more lightly doped, but still heavily doped,lateral extension 580E or 582E. Largely identical n+ lateral S/Dextensions 580E and 582E, which terminate channel zone 584 along theupper semiconductor surface, extend deeper than largely identical n++main S/D portions 580M and 582M.

S/D extensions 580E and 582E are, as described below, normally definedby ion implantation of the n-type deep S/D-extension dopant at the sametime as drain extension 242 of asymmetric n-channel IGFET 100 andtherefore normally also at the same time as S/D extensions 520E and 522Eof symmetric low-voltage low-V_(T) n-channel IGFET 112. Inasmuch as then-type shallow S/D-extension implantation used to define S/D extensions440E and 442 of symmetric low-voltage low-leakage n-channel IGFET 108 isperformed more shallowly than the n-type deep S/D-extensionimplantation, S/D extensions 580E and 582E of symmetric high-voltagefilled-well IGFET 116 extend deeper than S/D extensions 440E and 442E ofsymmetric low-voltage filled-well IGFET 108.

IGFET 116 does not have halo pocket portions which are situated inp-type body-material empty main well 196, which extend respectivelyalong S/D zones 580 and 582, and which are more heavily doped p-typethan adjacent material of well 196. Subject to this difference, emptywell 196 is configured substantially the same as empty well 188 ofn-channel IGFET 108. Accordingly, p-type empty well 196 consists of amoderately doped main body-material portion 590, a moderately dopedintermediate body-material portion 592, and a moderately doped upperbody-material portion 594 configured respectively the same asbody-material portions 554, 556, and 558 of empty well 188 of IGFET 108.

As with p body-material portions 454, 456, and 458 of IGFET 108, pbody-material portions 590, 592, and 594 of IGFET 116 are respectivelydefined with the p-type filled main well, APT, and threshold-adjustdopants whose concentrations reach maximum values at different averagedepths. P body-material portions 590, 592, and 594 therefore have thesame dopant concentration characteristics as p body-material portions454, 456, and 458 of IGFET 108. Body-material portions 590, 592, and 594are often referred to here respectively as p filled-well mainbody-material portion 590, p APT body-material portion 592, and pthreshold-adjust body-material portion 594. Since IGFET 116 lack halopocket portions, p threshold-adjust body-material portion 594 extendslaterally between S/D zones 580 and 582, specifically between S/Dextensions 580E and 582E. Channel zone 584 (not specifically demarcatedin FIG. 11.5), which consists of all the p-type monosilicon between S/Dzones 580 and 582, is formed solely by a surface-adjoining segment ofthe p− upper part of well 196.

A gate dielectric layer 596 at the t_(GdH) high thickness value issituated on the upper semiconductor surface and extends over channelzone 584. A gate electrode 598 is situated on gate dielectric layer 596above channel zone 584. Gate electrode 598 extends over part of each n+S/D extension 580E or 582E but normally not over any part of either n++main S/D portion 580M or 582M. Dielectric sidewall spacers 600 and 602are situated respectively along the opposite transverse sidewalls ofgate electrode 598. Metal silicide layers 604, 606, and 608 arerespectively situated along the tops of gate electrode 598 and main S/Dportions 580M and 582M.

Filled well region 196 of IGFET 116 is normally defined by ionimplantations of the p-type filled main well, APT, and threshold-adjustdopants at the same respective times as filled well region 188 ofsymmetric n-channel IGFET 108. As a result, the p-type dopantdistribution in the doped monosilicon of IGFET 116 is essentially thesame as the p-type dopant distribution in the doped monosilicon of IGFET108. All of the comments made about the p-type dopant distribution inthe doped monosilicon of IGFET 108 apply to the doped monosilicon ofIGFET 116.

Main S/D portions 580M and 582M of IGFET 116 are normally defined by ionimplantation of the n-type main S/D dopant at the same time as mainsource portion 240M of asymmetric n-channel IGFET 100. With S/Dextensions 580E and 582E of IGFET 116 normally defined by ionimplantation of the n-type deep S/D-extension dopant at the same time asdrain extension 242E of IGFET 100, the n-type dopant distribution ineach S/D zone 580 or 582 and the adjacent part of well 196 up to thelongitudinal center of IGFET 116 is essentially the same as the n-typedopant distribution in drain 242 of IGFET 100 and the adjacent part ofwell 180 up to a lateral distance approximately equal to the lateraldistance from S/D zone 580 or 582 to the longitudinal center of IGFET116.

In particular, the n-type dopant distribution along the upper surface ofeach S/D zone 580 or 582 and the adjacent part of the upper surface ofchannel zone 584 up to the longitudinal center of IGFET 116 isessentially the same as the n-type dopant distribution shown in FIG. 13for the upper surface of drain 242 of IGFET 100 and the upper surface ofthe adjacent part of well 180 up to a lateral distance approximatelyequal to the lateral distance from S/D zone 580 or 582 to thelongitudinal center of IGFET 116. The n-type vertical dopantdistributions along suitable imaginary vertical lines through each S/Dextension 580E or 582E and each main S/D portion 580M or 582M of IGFET116 are essentially the same as the n-type vertical dopant distributionsshown in FIGS. 17 and 18 along vertical lines 278E and 278M throughdrain extension 242E and main drain portion 242M of IGFET 100.

The n-type vertical dopant distribution along an imaginary vertical linethrough the longitudinal center of channel zone 584 of IGFET 116 isessentially the same as the vertical distribution shown in FIG. 16 alongvertical line 276 through channel zone 244 of IGFET 100 even though thelateral distance from drain 240 of IGFET to line 276 may exceed thelateral distance lateral from S/D zone 580 or 582 to the longitudinalcenter of IGFET 116. Subject to the preceding limitations, the commentsmade about the n-type upper-surface and vertical dopant distributions ofIGFET 100, specifically along the upper surface of drain 242 intochannel zone 244 along its upper surface and along vertical lines 276,278E, and 278M, apply to the n-type dopant distributions along the uppersurfaces of S/D zones 580 and 582 and channel zone 584 of IGFET 116 andalong the indicated vertical lines through each S/D extension 580E or582E, each main S/D portion 580M or 582M, and channel zone 584.

High-voltage p-channel IGFET 118 is configured basically the same asn-channel IGFET 116 with the conductivity types reversed. Referringagain to FIG. 11.5, p-channel IGFET 118 has a pair of largely identicalp-type S/D zones 610 and 612 situated in active semiconductor island 158along the upper semiconductor surface. S/D zones 610 and 612 areseparated by a channel zone 614 of n-type filled main well region 198which constitutes the body material for IGFET 118. N-type body-materialfilled well 198 forms (a) a first pn junction 616 with p-type S/D zone610 and (b) a second pn junction 618 with p-type S/D zone 612.

Each p-type S/D zone 610 or 612 consists of a very heavily doped mainportion 610M or 612M and a more lightly doped, but still heavily doped,lateral extension 610E or 612E. Channel zone 614 is terminated along theupper semiconductor surface by S/D extensions 610E and 612E. Largelyidentical p+ S/D extensions 610E and 612E extend deeper than largelyidentical p++ main S/D portions 610M and 612M.

As described below, S/D extensions 610E and 612E are normally defined byion implantation of the p-type deep S/D-extension dopant at the sametime as drain extension 282 of asymmetric p-channel IGFET 102 and thusnormally also at the same time as S/D extensions 550E and 552E ofsymmetric low-voltage low-V_(T) p-channel IGFET 114. Since the p-typeshallow S/D-extension implantation used to define S/D extensions 480Eand 482 of symmetric low-voltage low-leakage p-channel IGFET 110 isperformed more shallowly than the p-type deep S/D-extensionimplantation, S/D extensions 610E and 612E of symmetric high-voltageIGFET 118 extend deeper than S/D extensions 480E and 482E of symmetriclow-voltage IGFET 110.

Subject to the body material for p-channel IGFET 118 being formed with afilled main well rather than the combination of a filled main well andunderlying material of the semiconductor body as occurs with n-channelIGFET 116, p-channel IGFET 118 is configured the same as n-channel IGFET116 with the conductivity types reversed. Accordingly, p-channel IGFET118 contains a moderately doped n-type main body-material portion 620, amoderately doped n-type intermediate body-material portion 622, and amoderately doped n-type upper body-material portion 624, a gatedielectric layer 626, a gate electrode 628 at the t_(GdH) high thicknessvalue, dielectric sidewall spacers 630 and 632, and metal silicidelayers 634, 636, and 638 configured respectively the same as regions590, 592, 594, 596, 598, 600, 602, 604, 606, and 608 of n-channel IGFET116. N main body-material portion 620 overlies p− substrate region 136and forms pn junction 234 with it.

All of the comments made about the doping of p-type filled main well 196of n-channel IGFET 116 apply to n-type filled main well 198 of p-channelIGFET 118 with the conductivity types reversed and with regions 196,580, 582, 584, 590, 592, and 594 of n-channel IGFET 116 respectivelyreplaced with regions 198, 610, 612, 614, 620, 622, and 624 of p-channelIGFET 118.

Subject to minor perturbations due to the presence of the p-typebackground dopant, the longitudinal and vertical dopant distributions inp-channel IGFET 118 are essentially the same as the longitudinal andvertical dopant distributions in n-channel IGFET 114 with theconductivity types reversed. The dopant distributions in IGFET 118 arefunctionally the same as the dopant distributions in IGFET 116. IGFET118 functions substantially the same as IGFET 114 with the voltagepolarities reversed.

Threshold voltage V_(T) of symmetric high-voltage nominal-V_(T)n-channel IGFET 116 is normally 0.4 V to 0.65 V, typically 0.5 V to 0.55V, at a drawn channel length L_(DR) in the vicinity of 0.4 μm and a gatedielectric thickness of 6-6.5 nm. Threshold voltage V_(T) of symmetrichigh-voltage nominal-V_(T) p-channel IGFET 118 is normally −0.5 V to−0.75 V, typically −0.6 V to −0.65 V, at a drawn channel length L_(DR)in the vicinity of 0.3 μm and a gate dielectric thickness of 6-6.5 nm.Symmetric IGFETs 116 and 118 are particularly suitable for high-voltagedigital applications, e.g., an operational range of 3.0 V.

I. Symmetric Low-Voltage IGFETs of Nominal Threshold-Voltage Magnitude

Symmetric low-voltage filled-well complementary IGFETs 120 and 122 ofnominal V_(T) magnitude are described with reference only to FIG. 11.6.IGFETs 120 and 122 are configured respectively similar to low-voltagelow-leakage symmetric IGFETs 108 and 110 of increased V_(T) magnitudeexcept that IGFETs 120 and 122 lack surface-adjoining threshold-adjustbody-material portions analogous to p threshold-adjust body-materialportion 458 and n threshold-adjust body-material portion 498 which causeoff-state current leakage to be reduced in IGFETs 108 and 110 andproduce increases in the magnitudes of their threshold voltages.N-channel IGFET 120 is generally configured substantially the same asn-channel IGFET 20 as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,682 cited above.P-channel IGFET 122 is similarly generally configured substantially thesame as a p-channel IGFET described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,682.

With the preceding comments in mind, n-channel IGFET 120 has a pair oflargely identical n-type S/D zones 640 and 642 situated in activesemiconductor island 160 along the upper semiconductor surface. S/Dzones 640 and 642 are separated by a channel zone 644 of p-type filledmain well region 200 which, in combination with p− substrate region 136,constitutes the body material for IGFET 120. P-type body-material filledwell 200 forms (a) a first pn junction 646 with n-type S/D zone 640 and(b) a second pn junction 648 with n-type S/D zone 642.

Each n-type S/D zone 640 or 642 consists of a very heavily doped mainportion 640M or 642M and a more lightly doped, but still heavily doped,lateral extension 640E or 642E. Largely identical n++ main S/D portions640M and 642M extend deeper than largely identical n+ source extensions640E and 642E. Channel zone 644 is terminated along the uppersemiconductor surface by S/D extensions 640E and 642E.

S/D extensions 640E and 642E are normally defined by ion implantation ofthe n-type shallow S/D-extension dopant at the same time as S/Dextensions 440E and 442E of symmetric low-voltage low-leakage n-channelIGFET 108. The n-type shallow S/D-extension implantation is, asindicated below, performed more shallowly than the n-type deepS/D-extension implantation used to define both S/D extensions 520E and522E of symmetric low-voltage low V_(T) n-channel IGFET 112 and S/Dextensions 580E and 582E of symmetric high voltage nominal-V_(T)n-channel IGFET 116. Consequently, S/D extensions 520E and 522E ofsymmetric empty-well IGFET 112 and S/D extensions 580 and 582 ofsymmetric filled-well IGFET 116 extend deeper than S/D extensions 640Eand 642E of symmetric filled-well IGFET 120.

A pair of largely identical moderately doped laterally separated halopocket portions 650 and 652 of p-type body-material filled main well 200respectively extend along S/D zones 640 and 642 up to the uppersemiconductor surface and terminate at respective locations between S/Dzones 640 and 642. FIG. 11.6 illustrates the situation in which S/Dzones 640 and 642 extend deeper than halo pockets 650 and 652. Halopockets 650 and 652 can alternatively extend deeper than S/D zones 640and 642. Halo pockets 650 and 652 then respectively extend laterallyunder S/D zones 640 and 642. As with halo pocket portions 450 and 452 ofIGFET 108, halo pockets 650 and 652 are defined with the p-type S/D halodopant that reaches a maximum concentration below the uppersemiconductor surface.

The material of p-type body-material filled main well 200 outside halopocket portions 650 and 652 consists of a moderately doped mainbody-material portion 654 and a moderately doped further body-materialportion 656. P body-material portions 654 and 656 are configuredrespectively the same as p body-material portions 454 and 456 of IGFET108 except that p further body-material portion 656 extends to the uppersemiconductor surface between halo pockets 650 and 652. P body-materialportions 654 and 656 are respectively defined with the p-type filledmain well dopant and the p-type APT dopant. Accordingly, body-materialportions 654 and 656 are often referred to here respectively as pfilled-well main body-material portion 654 and p APT body-materialportion 656.

Channel zone 644 (not specifically demarcated in FIG. 11.6) consists ofall the p-type monosilicon between S/D zones 640 and 642. Moreparticularly, channel zone 644 is formed by a surface-adjoiningunderlying segment of APT body-material portion 656 and (a) all of phalo pocket portion 650 and 652 if S/D zones 640 and 642 extend deeperthan halo pocket 650 and 652 as illustrated in the example of FIG. 11.6or (b) surface-adjoining segments of halo pockets 650 and 652 if theyextend deeper than S/D zones 640 and 642. Because the maximumconcentration of the p-type threshold-adjust dopant in main filled well200 is normally significantly less than the maximum concentration of thep-type S/D halo dopant in well 200, halo pockets 650 and 652 are moreheavily doped p-type than the directly adjacent material of well 200.

IGFET 120 further includes a gate dielectric layer 660 of the t_(GdL)low thickness, a gate electrode 662, dielectric sidewall spacers 664 and666, and metal silicide layers 668, 670, and 672 configured respectivelythe same as regions 460, 462, 464, 466, 468, 470, and 472 of IGFET 108.

Filled well region 200 of IGFET 120 is normally defined by ionimplantations of the p-type filled main well and APT dopants at the samerespective times as filled well region 188 of symmetric low-leakagen-channel IGFET 108. Inasmuch as filled well 200 of IGFET 120 lacks athreshold-adjust body-material portion corresponding to threshold-adjustbody-material portion 448 in filled well 200 of IGFET 108, the p-typedopant distribution in the doped monosilicon of IGFET 120 is essentiallythe same as the p-type dopant distribution in the doped monosilicon ofIGFET 108 subject to absence of atoms of the p-type threshold-adjustdopant in the doped monosilicon of IGFET 120. All of the comments madeabout the p-type dopant distribution in the doped monosilicon of IGFET108, except for the comments relating to threshold-adjust body-materialportion 458, apply to the doped monosilicon of IGFET 120.

Main S/D portions 640M and 642M of IGFET 120 are normally defined by ionimplantation of the n-type main S/D dopant at the same time as main S/Dportions 440M and 442M of IGFET 108. Inasmuch as S/D extensions 640E and642E of IGFET 112 are normally defined by ion implantation of the n-typeshallow S/D-extension dopant at the same time as S/D extensions 440E and442E of IGFET 108, the n-type dopant distribution in S/D zones 640 and642 of IGFET 120 is essentially the same as the n-type dopantdistribution in S/D zones 440 and 442 of IGFET 108.

More particularly, the n-type dopant distribution along the uppersurface of S/D zones 640 and 642 of IGFET 120 is essentially the same asthe n-type dopant distribution shown in FIG. 30 for the upper surface ofS/D zones 440 and 442 of IGFET 108. The n-type vertical dopantdistribution along a suitable imaginary vertical line through S/D zone640 or 642 of IGFET 120 is essentially the same as the n-type verticaldopant distribution shown in FIG. 31 along vertical line 474 or 476through S/D zone 440 or 442 of IGFET 108. The n-type vertical dopantdistribution along an imaginary vertical line through the longitudinalcenter of channel zone 644 of IGFET 120 is essentially the same as thevertical distribution shown in FIG. 32 along vertical line 478 throughchannel zone 444 of IGFET. The comments made about the n-typeupper-surface and vertical dopant distributions of IGFET 108 apply tothe n-type upper-surface and vertical dopant distributions of IGFET 120.

Low-voltage p-channel IGFET 122 of nominal V_(T) is configured basicallythe same as n-channel IGFET 120 with the conductivity types reversed.With reference again to FIG. 11.6, p-channel IGFET 122 has a pair oflargely identical p-type S/D zones 680 and 682 situated in activesemiconductor island 162 along the upper semiconductor surface. S/Dzones 680 and 682 are separated by a channel zone 684 of n− type filledmain well region 202 which constitutes the body material for IGFET 122.N-type body-material filled well 212 forms (a) a first pn junction 686with p-type S/D zone 680 and (b) a second pn junction 688 with p-typeS/D zone 682.

Subject to the body material for p-channel IGFET 122 being formed with afilled main well rather than the combination of a filled main well andunderlying material of the semiconductor body as occurs with n-channelIGFET 120, p-channel IGFET 122 is configured the same as n-channel IGFET120 with the conductivity types reversed. Hence, p-channel IGFET 122contains largely identical moderately doped n-type halo pocket portions690 and 692, a moderately doped n-type main body-material portion 694, amoderately doped n-type further body-material portion 696, a gatedielectric layer 700 at the t_(GdL) low thickness value, a gateelectrode 702, dielectric sidewall spacers 704 and 706, and metalsilicide layers 708, 710, and 712 configured respectively the same asregions 650, 652, 654, 656, 660, 662, 664, 666, 668, 670, and 672 ofn-channel IGFET 120.

N main body-material portion 694 overlies p− substrate region 136 andforms pn junction 236 with it. Also, each p-type S/D zone 680 or 682consists of a very heavily doped main portion 680M or 682M and a morelightly doped, but still heavily doped, lateral extension 680E or 682E.All of the comments made about the doping of p-type filled main well 200of n-channel IGFET 120 apply to n-type filled main well 212 of p-channelIGFET 122 with the conductivity types reversed and with regions 200,640, 640M, 640E, 642, 642M, 642E, 644, 650, 652, 654, and 656 ofn-channel IGFET 120 respectively replaced with regions 202, 680, 680M,680E, 682, 682M, 682E, 684, 690, 692, 694, and 696 of p-channel IGFET122.

Subject to minor perturbations due to the presence of the p-typebackground dopant, the longitudinal and vertical dopant distributions inp-channel IGFET 122 are essentially the same as the longitudinal andvertical dopant distributions in n-channel IGFET 120 with theconductivity types reversed. The dopant distributions in IGFET 122 arefunctionally the same as the dopant distributions in IGFET 120. IGFET122 functions substantially the same as IGFET 120 with the voltagepolarities reversed.

Threshold voltage V_(T) of symmetric low-voltage nominal-V_(T) n-channelIGFET 120 is normally 0.25 V to 0.45 V, typically 0.35 V. Thresholdvoltage V_(T) of symmetric low-voltage nominal-V_(T) p-channel IGFET 122is normally −0.2 V to −0.4 V, typically −0.3 V. These V_(T) ranges andtypical values are for short-channel implementations of IGFETs 120 and122 at a drawn channel length L_(DR) of 0.13 μm and a gate dielectricthickness o 2 nm. Symmetric IGFETs 120 and 122 are particularly suitablefor low-voltage digital applications, e.g., an operational range of 1.2V.

J. Symmetric High-Voltage Low-Threshold-Voltage IGFETs

Symmetric high-voltage low-V_(T) empty-well complementary IGFETs 124 and126 are described with reference only to FIG. 11.7. As explained furtherbelow, IGFETs 124 and 126 are configured respectively substantially thesame as low-voltage low-V_(T) IGFETs 112 and 114 except that IGFETs 124and 126 are of longer channel length and greater gate dielectricthickness so as to be suitable for high-voltage operation.

N-channel IGFET 124 has a pair of largely identical n-type S/D zones 720and 722 situated in active semiconductor island 164 along the upper,semiconductor surface. S/D zones 720 and 722 are separated by a channelzone 724 of p-type empty main well region 204 which, in combination withp− substrate region 136, constitutes the body material for IGFET 124.P-type body-material empty well 204 forms (a) a first pn junction 726with n-type S/D zone 720 and (b) a second pn junction 728 with n-typeS/D zone 722.

Each n-type S/D zone 720 or 722 consists of a very heavily doped mainportion 720M or 722M and a more lightly doped, but still heavily doped,lateral extension 720E or 722E. Largely identical n+ lateral S/Dextensions 720E and 722E extend deeper than largely identical n++ mainS/D portions 720M and 722M. Channel zone 724 is terminated along theupper semiconductor surface by S/D extensions 720E and 722E.

S/D extensions 720E and 722E are normally defined by ion implantation ofthe n-type deep S/D-extension dopant at the same time as drain extension242E of asymmetric n-channel IGFET 100 and thus normally also at thesame time as S/D extensions 520E and 522E of symmetric low-voltagelow-V_(T) n-channel IGFET 112 and S/D extensions 580 and 582 ofsymmetric high-voltage nominal-V_(T) n-channel IGFET 116. As indicatedbelow, the n-type shallow S/D-extension implantation used to define S/Dextensions 440E and 442E of symmetric low-voltage low-leakage n-channelIGFET 108 and also normally S/D extensions 640E and 642E of symmetriclow-voltage nominal-V_(T) n-channel IGFET 120 is performed moreshallowly than the n-type deep S/D-extension implantation. Consequently,S/D extensions 720E and 722E of symmetric empty-well IGFET 124 extenddeeper than both S/D extensions 440E and 442E of symmetric filled-wellIGFET 108 and S/D extensions 640E and 642E of symmetric filled-wellIGFET 120.

The p-type dopant in p-type body-material empty main well 204 consistsof the p-type empty main well dopant and the substantially constantp-type background dopant of p− substrate region 136. Because the p-typeempty main well dopant in empty well 204 reaches a deep subsurfaceconcentration maximum at average depth y_(PWPK), the presence of thep-type empty main well dopant in well 204 causes the concentration ofthe total p-type dopant in well 204 to reach a deep local subsurfaceconcentration maximum substantially at the location of the deepsubsurface concentration maximum in well 204. In moving from thelocation of the deep p-type empty-well concentration maximum in emptywell 204 toward the upper semiconductor surface along an imaginaryvertical line through channel zone 724, the concentration of the p-typedopant in well 204 drops gradually from a moderate doping, indicated bysymbol “p”, to a light doping, indicated by symbol “p−”. Dotted line 730in FIG. 11.7 roughly represents the location below which the p-typedopant concentration in empty well 204 is at the moderate p doping andabove which the p-type dopant concentration in well 204 is at the lightp− doping.

As with IGFET 112, IGFET 124 does not have halo pocket portions. Channelzone 724 (not specifically demarcated in FIG. 11.7), which consists ofall the p-type monosilicon between S/D zones 720 and 722, is therebyformed solely by a surface-adjoining segment of the p− upper part ofwell 204. IGFET 124 further includes a gate dielectric layer 736 at thet_(GdH) high thickness value, a gate electrode 738, dielectric sidewallspacers 740 and 742, and metal silicide layers 744, 746, and 748configured respectively the same as regions 536, 538, 540, 542, 544,546, and 548 of n-channel IGFET 112.

Empty well region 204 of IGFET 124 is normally defined by ionimplantation of the p-type empty main well dopant at the same time asempty well region 192 of symmetric low-voltage low-V_(T) n-channel IGFET112 and thus normally at the same time as empty well region 180 ofasymmetric n-channel IGFET 100. Main S/D portions 720M and 722M of IGFET124 are normally defined by ion implantation of the n-type main S/Ddopant at the same time as main S/D portions 520M and 522M of IGFET 112and thus normally at the same time as main drain portion 242M (and mainsource portion 240M) of IGFET 100. Because S/D extensions 720E and 722Eof IGFET 124 are normally defined by ion implantation of the n-type deepS/D-extension dopant at the same time as S/D extensions 520E and 522E ofIGFET 112 and thus normally at the same time as drain extension 242E ofIGFET 100, the dopant distribution in each S/D zone 720 or 722 and theadjacent part of well 204 up to the longitudinal center of IGFET 124 isessentially the same as the dopant distribution in drain 242 of IGFET100 and the adjacent part of well 180 up to a lateral distanceapproximately equal to the lateral distance from S/D zone 720 or 722 tothe longitudinal center of IGFET 124.

In particular, the dopant distribution along the upper surface of eachS/D zone 720 or 722 and the adjacent part of the upper surface ofchannel zone 724 up to the longitudinal center of IGFET 124 isessentially the same as the dopant distribution shown in FIG. 13 for theupper surface of drain 242 of IGFET 100 and the upper surface of theadjacent part of well 180 up to a lateral distance approximately equalto the lateral distance from S/D zone 720 or 722 to the longitudinalcenter of IGFET 124. The vertical dopant distributions along suitableimaginary vertical lines through each S/D extension 720E or 722E andeach main S/D portion 720M or 722M of IGFET 124 are essentially the sameas the vertical dopant distributions shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 alongvertical lines 278E and 278M through drain extension 242E and main drainportion 242M of IGFET 100.

The vertical dopant distribution along an imaginary vertical linethrough the longitudinal center of channel zone 724 of IGFET 124 isessentially the same as the vertical distribution shown in FIG. 16 alongvertical line 276 through channel zone 244 of IGFET 100 even though thelateral distance from drain 240 of IGFET to line 276 may exceed thelateral distance lateral from S/D zone 720 or 722 to the longitudinalcenter of IGFET 124. Subject to the preceding limitations, the commentsmade about the upper-surface and vertical dopant distributions of IGFET100, specifically along the upper surface of drain 242 into channel zone244 along its upper surface and along vertical lines 276, 278E, and278M, apply to the dopant distributions along the upper surfaces of S/Dzones 720 and 722 and channel zone 724 and along the indicated verticallines through each S/D extension 720E or 722E, each main S/D portion720M or 722M, and channel zone 724 of IGFET 124.

High-voltage low-V_(T) p-channel IGFET 126 is configured basically thesame as n-channel IGFET 124 with the conductivity types reversed.Referring again to FIG. 11.7, p-channel IGFET 126 has a pair of largelyidentical p-type S/D zones 750 and 752 situated in active semiconductorisland 166 along the upper semiconductor surface. S/D zones 750 and 752are separated by a channel zone 754 of p-type empty main well region 206which constitutes the body material for IGFET 126. N-type body-materialempty well 206 forms (a) a first pn junction 756 with p-type S/D zone750 and (b) a second pn junction 758 with p-type S/D zone 752.

Each n-type S/D zone 750 or 752 consists of a very heavily doped mainportion 750M or 752M and a more lightly doped, but still heavily doped,lateral extension 750E or 752E. Largely identical n+ S/D extensions 750Eand 752E extend deeper than largely identical n++ main S/D portions 750Mand 752M. Channel zone 754 is terminated along the upper semiconductorsurface by S/D extensions 750E and 752E.

S/D extensions 750E and 752E are normally defined by ion implantation ofthe p-type deep S/D-extension dopant at the same time as drain extension282E of asymmetric p-channel IGFET 102 and thus normally also at thesame time as S/D extensions 550E and 552E of symmetric low-voltagelow-V_(T) p-channel IGFET 114 and S/D extensions 610 and 612 ofsymmetric high-voltage nominal-V_(T) p-channel IGFET 118. The p-typeshallow S/D-extension implantation used to define S/D extensions 480Eand 482E of symmetric low-voltage low-leakage p-channel IGFET 110 andalso normally S/D extensions 680E and 682E of symmetric low-voltagenominal-V_(T) p-channel IGFET 122 is, as indicated below, performed moreshallowly than the p-type deep S/D-extension implantation. Accordingly,S/D extensions 750E and 752E of symmetric empty-well IGFET 126 extenddeeper than both S/D extensions 480E and 482E of symmetric filled-wellIGFET 110 and S/D extensions 680E and 682E of symmetric filled-wellIGFET 122.

The n-type dopant in n-type body-material empty main well 206 consistssolely of the p-type empty main well dopant. Accordingly, the n-typedopant in empty well 206 reaches a deep subsurface concentration maximumat average depth y_(NWPK). In moving from the location of the n-typeempty-well concentration maximum in empty well 206 toward the uppersemiconductor surface along an imaginary vertical line through channelzone 754, the concentration of the n-type dopant in well 206 dropsgradually from a moderate doping, indicated by symbol “n”, to a lightdoping, indicated by symbol “n−”. Dotted line 760 in FIG. 11.7 roughlyrepresents the location below which the n-type dopant concentration inempty well 206 is at the moderate n doping and above which the n-typedopant concentration in well 206 is at the light n− doping.

Subject to the preceding comments, p-channel IGFET 126 is configured thesame as n-channel IGFET 124 with the conductivity types reversed. Hence,p-channel IGFET 126 further includes a gate dielectric layer 766 at thet_(GdH) high thickness value, a gate electrode 768, dielectric sidewallspacers 770 and 772, and metal silicide layers 774, 776, and 778configured respectively the same as regions 736, 738, 740, 742, 744,746, and 748 of n-channel IGFET 124. As with n-channel IGFET 124,p-channel IGFET 126 does not have halo pocket portions. Channel zone 754(not specifically demarcated in FIG. 11.7), which consists of all then-type monosilicon between S/D zones 750 and 752, is formed solely by asurface-adjoining segment of the n− upper part of well 206.

Subject to minor perturbations due to the presence of the p-typebackground dopant, the longitudinal and vertical dopant distributions inp-channel IGFET 126 are essentially the same as the longitudinal andvertical dopant distributions in n-channel IGFET 124 with theconductivity types reversed. The dopant distributions in IGFET 126 arefunctionally the same as the dopant distributions in IGFET 114. IGFET126 functions substantially the same as IGFET 124 with the voltagepolarities reversed.

Threshold voltage V_(T) of symmetric high-voltage low-V_(T) n-channelIGFET 124 is normally −0.1 V to 0.5 V, typically −0.025 V, at a drawnchannel length L_(DR) in the vicinity of 0.5 μm and a gate dielectricthickness of 6-6.5 nm. Threshold voltage V_(T) of symmetric high-voltagelow-V_(T) p-channel IGFET 126 is normally 0.05 V to 0.25 V, typically0.15 V, likewise at a drawn channel length L_(DR) in the vicinity of 0.5μm and a gate dielectric thickness of 6-6.5 nm.

The implementation of symmetric high-voltage IGFETs 124 and 126 withrespective empty well regions 204 and 206 enables IGFETs 124 and 126 toachieve threshold voltage V_(T) of very low magnitude in basically thesame way as the implementation of symmetric low-voltage IGFETs 112 and114 with respective empty well regions 192 and 194 enables IGFETs 112and 114 to have threshold voltages V_(T) of very low magnitude. That is,the reduced amount of p-type semiconductor dopant near the upper surfaceof empty main well region 204 causes the value of threshold voltageV_(T) of n-channel IGFET 112 to be reduced. Similarly, the reducedamount of n-type semiconductor dopant near the upper surface of emptymain well region 206 causes the magnitude of threshold voltage V_(T) ofp-channel IGFET 126 to be reduced. Symmetric IGFETs 124 and 126 areparticularly suitable for high-voltage analog and digital applications,e.g., an operational range of 1.2 V, which require threshold voltagesV_(T) of lower magnitude than high-voltage IGFETs 116 and 118 and whichcan accommodate increased channel length L.

K. Symmetric Native Low-Voltage N-Channel IGFETs

Symmetric native low-voltage IGFETs 128 and 130, both n channel, aredescribed with reference only to FIG. 11.8. IGFET 128 of nominal V_(T)magnitude has a pair of largely identical n-type S/D zones 780 and 782situated in active semiconductor island 168 along the uppersemiconductor surface. S/D zones 780 and 782 are separated by a channelzone 784 of p-type body material formed primarily with p− substrateregion 136. The p-type body material for IGFET 128 forms (a) a first pnjunction 786 with n-type S/D zone 780 and (b) a second pn junction 788with n-type S/D zone 782.

Each n-type S/D zone 780 or 782 consists of a very heavily doped mainportion 780M or 782M and a more lightly doped, but still heavily doped,lateral extension 780E or 782E. Largely identical n++ main S/D portions780M and 782M extend deeper than largely identical n+ source extensions780E and 782E. Channel zone 784 is terminated along the uppersemiconductor surface by S/D extensions 780E and 782E.

In addition to p− substrate region 136, the body material for IGFET 128includes a pair of largely identical moderately doped laterallyseparated halo pocket portions 790 and 792 that respectively extendalong S/D zones 780 and 782 up to the upper semiconductor surface andterminate at respective locations between S/D zones 780 and 782. FIG.11.8 illustrates the situation in which S/D zones 780 and 782 extenddeeper than halo pockets 790 and 792. Alternatively, halo pockets 790and 792 can extend deeper than S/D zones 780 and 782. Halo pockets 790and 792 then respectively extend laterally under S/D zones 780 and 782.

Channel zone 784 (not specifically demarcated in FIG. 11.8) consists ofall the p-type monosilicon between S/D zones 780 and 782. In particular,channel zone 784 is formed by a surface-adjoining segment of p−substrate region 136 and (a) all of p halo pocket portions 790 and 792if S/D zones 780 and 782 extend deeper than halo pockets 790 and 792 asillustrated in the example of FIG. 11.8 or (b) surface-adjoiningsegments of halo pockets 790 and 792 if they extend deeper than S/Dzones 780 and 782. Since substrate region 136 is lightly doped, halopockets 790 and 792 are more heavily doped p-type than the directlyadjacent material of the body material for IGFET 128.

A gate dielectric layer 796 at the t_(GdL) low thickness value issituated on the upper semiconductor surface and extends over channelzone 784. A gate electrode 798 is situated on gate dielectric layer 796above channel zone 784. Gate electrode 798 extends over part of each n+S/D extension 780E or 782E but normally not over any part of either n++main S/D portion 780M or 782M. Dielectric sidewall spacers 800 and 802are situated respectively along the opposite transverse sidewalls ofgate electrode 798. Metal silicide layers 804, 806, and 808 arerespectively situated along the tops of gate electrode 798 and main S/Dportions 780M and 782M.

The n-type dopant distribution in the doped monosilicon of IGFET 128 isdescribed below in connection with the largely identical n-type dopantdistribution in the doped monosilicon of symmetric native n-channelIGFET 132.

With continued reference to FIG. 11.8, symmetric native low-voltagen-channel IGFET 130 of low V_(T) magnitude has a pair of largelyidentical n-type S/D zones 810 and 812 situated in active semiconductorisland 170 along the upper semiconductor surface. S/D zones 810 and 812are separated by a channel zone 814 of p− substrate region 136 whichconstitutes the p-type body material for IGFET 130. P− body-materialsubstrate region 136 forms (a) a first pn junction 816 with n-type S/Dzone 810 and (b) a second pn junction 818 with n-type S/D zone 812.

Each n-type S/D zone 810 or 812 consists of a very heavily doped mainportion 810M or 812M and a more lightly doped, but still heavily doped,lateral extension 810E or 812E. Largely identical n+ S/D extensions 810Eand 812E extend deeper than largely identical n++ main S/D portions 810Mand 812M. Channel zone 814 is terminated along the upper semiconductorsurface by S/D extensions 810E and 812E.

IGFET 130 does not have halo pocket portions which are situated in theIGFET's p-type body material, which extend respectively along S/D zones810 and 812, and which are more heavily doped p-type than adjacentmaterial of the IGFET's p-type body material. Channel zone 814 (notspecifically demarcated in FIG. 11.8), which consists of all the p-typemonosilicon between S/D zones 810 and 812, is thus formed solely by asurface-adjoining segment of p− substrate region 136.

A gate dielectric layer 826 at the t_(GdL) low thickness value issituated on the upper semiconductor surface and extends over channelzone 814. A gate electrode 828 is situated on gate dielectric layer 826above channel zone 814. Gate electrode 828 extends over part of each n+S/D extension 810E or 812E but normally not over any part of either n++main S/D portion 810M or 812M. Dielectric sidewall spacers 830 and 832are situated respectively along the opposite transverse sidewalls ofgate electrode 828. Metal silicide layers 834, 836, and 838 arerespectively situated along the tops of gate electrode 828 and main S/Dportions 810M and 812M.

The n-type dopant distribution in the doped monosilicon of IGFET 130 isdescribed below in connection with the largely identical n-type dopantdistribution in the doped monosilicon of symmetric native n-channelIGFET 134.

Threshold voltage V_(T) of symmetric native low-voltage nominal-V_(T)n-channel IGFET 128 is normally 0.2 V to 0.45 V, typically 0.3 V to 0.35V, at a drawn channel length L_(DR) of 0.3 μm and a gate dielectricthickness of 2 nm. Threshold voltage V_(T) of symmetric nativelow-voltage low-V_(T) n-channel IGFET 130 is normally −0.15 V to 0.1 V,typically −0.03 V at a drawn channel length L_(DR) of 1 μm and a gatedielectric thickness of 2 nm. Symmetric native IGFETs 128 and 130 areparticularly suitable for low-voltage analog and digital applications,e.g., an operational range of 1.2 V.

L. Symmetric Native High-Voltage N-Channel IGFETs

Symmetric native high-voltage IGFETs 132 and 134, both n channel, aredescribed with reference only to FIG. 11.9. IGFET 132 of nominal V_(T)magnitude has a pair of largely identical n-type S/D zones 840 and 842situated in active semiconductor island 172 along the uppersemiconductor surface. S/D zones 840 and 842 are separated by a channelzone 844 of p-type body material formed primarily with p− substrateregion 136. The p-type body material for IGFET 132 forms (a) a first pnjunction 846 with n-type S/D zone 840 and (b) a second pn junction 848with n-type S/D zone 842. Each n-type S/D zone 840 or 842 consists of avery heavily doped main portion 840M or 842M and a more lightly doped,but still heavily doped, lateral extension 840E or 842E.

IGFET 132 further includes a pair of largely identical moderately dopedlaterally separated halo pocket portions 850 and 852, a gate dielectriclayer 856 at the t_(GdH) high thickness value, a gate electrode 858,dielectric sidewall spacers 860 and 862, and metal silicide layers 864,866, and 868. As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 11.8 and 11.9, the onlystructural difference between native n-channel IGFETs 132 and 128 isthat IGFET 132 is of greater gate dielectric thickness than IGFET 128 sothat IGFET 132 can operate across a greater voltage range than IGFET128. Accordingly, regions 840, 842, 844, 850, 852, 856, 858, 860, 862,864, 866, and 868 of IGFET 132 are configured respectively the same asregions 780, 782, 784, 790, 792, 796, 798, 800, 802, 804, 806, and 808of IGFET 128.

Main S/D portions 780M and 782M of IGFET 128 and main S/D portions 840Mand 842M of IGFET 132 are normally defined by ion implantation of then-type main S/D dopant at the same time as main S/D portions 440M and442M of n-channel IGFET 108. S/D extensions 780E and 782E of IGFET 128and S/D extensions 840E and 842E of IGFET 132 are normally defined byion implantation of the n-type shallow S/D-extension dopant at the sametime as S/D extensions 440E and 442E of IGFET 108. Accordingly, then-type dopant distribution in S/D zones 780 and 782 of IGFET 128 and inS/D zones 840 and 842 of IGFET 132 is essentially the same as the n-typedopant distribution in S/D zones 440 and 442 of IGFET 108. The commentsmade about the n-type upper-surface and vertical dopant distributions ofIGFET 108 apply to the n-type upper-surface and vertical dopantdistributions of IGFETs 128 and 132.

With continued reference to FIG. 11.9, symmetric native high-voltagen-channel IGFET 134 of low V_(T) magnitude has a pair of largelyidentical n-type S/D zones 870 and 872 situated in active semiconductorisland 174 along the upper semiconductor surface. S/D zones 870 and 872are separated by a channel zone 874 of p− substrate region 136 whichconstitutes the p-type body material for IGFET 134. P− body-materialsubstrate region 136 forms (a) a first pn junction 876 with n-type S/Dzone 870 and (b) a second pn junction 878 with n-type S/D zone 872. Eachn-type S/D zone 870 or 872 consists of a very heavily doped main portion870M or 872M and a more lightly doped, but still heavily doped, lateralextension 870E or 872E.

IGFET 134 further includes a gate dielectric layer 886 at the t_(GdH)high thickness value, a gate electrode 888, dielectric sidewall spacers890 and 892, and metal silicide layers 894, 896, and 898. A comparisonof FIGS. 11.8 and 11.9 shows that the only structural difference betweennative n-channel IGFETs 134 and 130 is that IGFET 134 is of greater gatedielectric thickness than IGFET 130 so that IGFET 134 can operate acrossa greater voltage range than IGFET 130. Hence, regions 870, 872, 874,886, 888, 890, 892, 894, 896, and 898 of IGFET 134 are configuredrespectively the same as regions 810, 812, 814, 826, 828, 830, 832, 834,836, and 838 of IGFET 130.

Main S/D portions 810M and 812M of IGFET 130 and main S/D portions 870Mand 872M of IGFET 134 are normally defined by ion implantation of then-type main S/D dopant at the same time as main S/D portions 520M and522M of IGFET 112 and thus normally at the same time as main drainportion 242M (and main source portion 240M) of IGFET 100. S/D extensions810E and 812E of IGFET 130 and S/D extensions 870E and 872E of IGFET 134are normally defined by ion implantation of the n-type deepS/D-extension dopant at the same time as S/D extensions 520E and 522E ofIGFET 112 and thus normally at the same time as drain extension 242E ofIGFET 100. Consequently, the n-type dopant distribution in each S/D zone810 or 812 of IGFET 130 and in each S/D zone 870 or 872 of IGFET 134 isessentially the same as the dopant distribution in drain 242 of IGFET100. The comments made about the n-type upper-surface and verticaldopant distributions of IGFET 100 apply to the n-type upper-surface andvertical dopant distributions of IGFETs 130 and 134.

Threshold voltage V_(T) of symmetric native high-voltage nominal-V_(T)n-channel IGFET 132 is normally 0.5 V to 0.7 V, typically 0.6 V, at adrawn channel length L_(DR) in the vicinity of 0.3 μm and a gatedielectric thickness of 6-6.5 nm. Threshold voltage V_(T) of symmetricnative high-voltage low-V_(T) n-channel IGFET 134 is normally −0.3 V to−0.05 V, typically −0.2 V to 0.15 V, at a drawn channel length L_(DR) inthe vicinity of 1.0 μm and a gate dielectric thickness of 6-6.5 nm.Symmetric native IGFETs 132 and 134 are particularly suitable forhigh-voltage analog and digital applications, e.g., an operational rangeof 3.0 V.

M. Information Generally Applicable to All of Present IGFETs

The gate electrodes of the illustrated n-channel IGFETs preferably allconsist of polysilicon doped very heavily n-type in the example of FIG.11. Alternatively, the gate electrodes of the illustrated n-channelIGFETs can be formed with other electrically conductive material such asrefractory metal, metal silicide, or polysilicon doped sufficientlyp-type as to be electrically conductive. In the example of FIG. 11, thegate electrodes of the illustrated p-channel IGFETs preferably allconsist of polysilicon doped very heavily p-type. The gate electrodes ofthe illustrated p-channel IGFETs can alternatively be formed with otherelectrically conductive material such as refractory metal, metalsilicide, or polysilicon doped sufficiently n-type as to be electricallyconductive. Each such refractory metal or metal silicide is chosen tohave an appropriate work function for achieving suitable values ofthreshold voltage V_(T).

The combination of each gate electrode 262, 302, 346, 386, 462, 502,538, 568, 598, 628, 662, 702, 738, 768, 798, 828, 858, or 888 andoverlying metal silicide layer 268, 308, 352, 392, 468, 508, 544, 574,604, 634, 668, 708, 744, 774, 804, 834, 864, or 894 can be viewed as acomposite gate electrode. The metal silicide layers typically consist ofcobalt silicide. Nickel silicide or platinum silicide can alternativelybe used for the metal silicide layers.

Each of gate sidewall spacers 264, 266, 304, 306, 348, 350, 388, 390,464, 466, 504, 506, 540, 542, 570, 572, 600, 602, 630, 632, 664, 666,704, 706, 740, 742, 770, 772, 800, 802, 830, 832, 860, 862, 890, and 892of the illustrated IGFETs is, for convenience, shown in FIG. 11 ascross-sectionally shaped generally like a right triangle with a curvedhypotenuse as viewed in the direction of the IGFET's width. Such aspacer shape is referred to here as a curved triangular shape. The gatesidewall spacers may have other shapes such as “L” shapes. The shapes ofthe gate sidewall spacers may be modified significantly during IGFETfabrication.

To improve the IGFET characteristics, the gate sidewall spacers arepreferably processed as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/382,977, cited above. In particular, the gate sidewall spacers areinitially created to be of curved triangular shape. Prior to formationof the metal silicide layers, the gate sidewall spacers are modified tobe of L shape in order to facilitate the formation of the metal silicidelayers. The gate sidewall spacers are then L-shaped in the semiconductorstructure of FIG. 11.

A depletion region (not shown) extends along the upper surface of thechannel zone of each illustrated IGFET during IGFET operation. Eachsurface depletion region has a maximum thickness t_(dmax) given as:

$\begin{matrix}{t_{dmax} = \sqrt{\frac{2K_{S}ɛ_{0}\phi_{T}}{{qN}_{C}}}} & (3)\end{matrix}$where K_(S) is the relative permittivity of the semiconductor material(silicon here), ∈₀ is the permittivity of free space (vacuum), φ_(T) isthe inversion potential, q is the electronic charge, and N_(C) is theaverage net dopant concentration in the IGFET's channel zone. Inversionpotential φ_(T) is twice the Fermi potential φ_(F) determined from:

$\begin{matrix}{\phi_{F} = {\left( \frac{kT}{q} \right){\ln\left( \frac{N_{C}}{n_{i}} \right)}}} & (4)\end{matrix}$where k is Boltzmann's constant, T is the absolute temperature, andn_(i) is the intrinsic carrier concentration.

Using Eqs. 3 and 4, maximum thickness t_(dmax) of the surface depletionregion of each illustrated high-voltage IGFET is normally less than 0.05μm, typically in the vicinity of 0.03 μm. Similarly, maximum thicknesst_(dmax) of the surface depletion region of each extended-drain IGFET104 or 106 is normally less than 0.06 μm, typically in the vicinity of0.04 μm. Maximum thickness t_(dmax) of the surface depletion region ofeach illustrated low-voltage IGFET is normally less than 0.04 μm,typically in the vicinity of 0.02 μm.

N. Fabrication of Complementary-IGFET Structure Suitable forMixed-Signal Applications

N1. General Fabrication Information

FIGS. 33 a-33 c, 33 d.1-33 y.1, 33 d.2-33 y.2, 33 d.3-33 y.3, 33 d.4-33y.4, and 33 d.5-33 y.5 (collectively “FIG. 33”) illustrate asemiconductor process in accordance with the invention for manufacturinga CIGFET semiconductor structure containing all of the illustratedIGFETs, i.e., asymmetric complementary IGFETs 100 and 102,extended-drain complementary IGFETs 104 and 106, symmetric non-nativen-channel IGFETs 108, 112, 116, 120, and 124, respectively correspondingsymmetric non-native p-channel IGFETs 110, 114, 118, 122, and 126, andsymmetric native n-channel IGFETs 128, 130, 132, and 134. In order tofacilitate pictorial illustration of the present fabrication process,manufacturing steps for long-channel versions of the illustrated IGFETsare depicted in FIG. 33.

The steps involved in the fabrication of the illustrated IGFETs upthrough the formation of deep n wells, including deep n wells 210 and212, are generally shown in FIGS. 33 a-33 c. FIGS. 33 d.1-33 y.1illustrate later steps specifically leading to complementary IGFETs 100and 102 as depicted in FIG. 11.1. FIGS. 33 d.2-33 y.2 illustrate latersteps specifically leading to complementary IGFETs 104 and 106 as shownin FIG. 11.2. FIGS. 33 d.3-33 y.3 illustrate later steps specificallyleading to complementary IGFETs 108 and 110 as depicted in FIG. 11.3.FIGS. 33 d.4-33 y.4 illustrate later steps specifically leading tocomplementary IGFETs 112 and 114 as depicted in FIG. 11.4. FIGS. 33d.5-33 y.5 illustrate later steps specifically leading to complementaryIGFETs 116 and 118 as depicted in FIG. 11.5.

FIG. 33 does not illustrate leading later steps specifically leading toany of complementary IGFETs 120 and 122, complementary IGFETs 124 and126, or native n-channel IGFETs 128, 130, 132, and 134 as variouslyshown in FIGS. 11.6-11.9. However, a description of the later stepsspecifically leading to IGFETs 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, and134 is incorporated into the description given below for manufacturingthe CIGFET structure of FIG. 11.

The semiconductor fabrication process of FIG. 33 is, more specifically,a semiconductor fabrication platform that provides a capability formanufacturing many types of semiconductor devices in addition to theillustrated IGFETs. For instance, a short-channel version of eachillustrated symmetric long-channel IGFET may be manufacturedsimultaneously according to the fabrication steps employed inmanufacturing the illustrated symmetric long-channel IGFET. Theshort-channel versions of IGFETs 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, and 118 are oflesser channel length than long-channel IGFETs 108, 110, 112, 114, 116,and 118 but are otherwise of generally the same intermediate IGFETappearances as shown in FIG. 33. The simultaneous fabrication of theillustrated symmetric long-channel IGFETs and their short-channelversions is implemented with masking plates (reticles) having patternsfor both the long-channel and short-channel IGFETs.

Resistors, capacitors, and inductors can be readily provided with thesemiconductor fabrication platform of FIG. 33. The resistors can be bothof the monosilicon type and the polysilicon type. Bipolar transistors,both npn and pnp, can be provided along with diodes without increasingthe number of steps needed to fabricate the illustrated IGFETs. Inaddition, bipolar transistors can be provided by using the fewadditional steps described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/382,966, cited above.

The semiconductor fabrication platform of FIG. 33 includes a capacityfor selectively providing deep n wells of which deep n wells 210 and 212are examples. The presence or absence of a deep n well at a particularlocation in the present CIGFET structure depends on whether a maskingplate used in defining the deep n wells does, or does not, have apattern for a deep n well at that location.

Taking note that asymmetric IGFETs 100 and 102 utilize deep n well 210,a version of each asymmetric IGFET 100 or 102 lacking a deep n well canbe simultaneously created according to the fabrication steps employed tocreate IGFET 100 or 102 having deep n well 210 by configuring the deep nwell masking plate to avoid defining a deep n well at the location forthe version of IGFET 100 or 102 lacking the deep n well. In acomplementary manner, the fabrication steps used to create eachillustrated non-native symmetric IGFET lacking a deep n well can besimultaneously employed to provide it in a version having a deep n wellby configuring the deep n well masking plate to define a deep n well atthe location for that version of the illustrated symmetric IGFET. Thisalso applies to the short-channel versions of the illustrated symmetricIGFETs.

The fabrication of any one of the illustrated IGFETs including any oftheir variations described above can be deleted from any particularimplementation of the semiconductor fabrication platform of FIG. 33. Inthat event, any step used in fabricating such a deleted IGFET can bedeleted from that implementation of the present semiconductorfabrication platform to the extent that the step is not used infabricating any other IGFET being manufactured in the platformimplementation.

Ions of a semiconductor dopant implanted into the semiconductor bodyimpinge on the upper semiconductor surface generally parallel to animpingement axis. For generally non-perpendicular ion impingement on theupper semiconductor surface, the impingement axis is at a tilt angle αto the vertical, i.e., to an imaginary vertical line extending generallyperpendicular to the upper (or lower) semiconductor surface, morespecifically to an imaginary vertical line extending perpendicular to aplane extending generally parallel to the upper (or lower) semiconductorsurface. Inasmuch as the gate dielectric layers of the IGFETs extendlaterally generally parallel to the upper semiconductor surface, tiltangle α can alternatively be described as being measured from animaginary vertical line extending generally perpendicular to the gatedielectric layer of an IGFET.

The range of an ion-implanted semiconductor dopant is generally definedas the distance that an ion of the dopant-containing species travelsthrough the implanted material in moving from the point on theimplantation surface at which the ion enters the implanted material tothe location of the maximum concentration of the dopant in the implantedmaterial. When a semiconductor dopant is ion implanted at a non-zerovalue of tilt angle α, the implantation range exceeds the depth from theimplantation surface to the location of the maximum concentration of thedopant in the implanted material. The range of an ion-implantedsemiconductor dopant is alternatively defined as the average distancethat ions of the dopant-containing species travel through the implantedmaterial before stopping. The two definitions for the implantation rangetypically yield largely the same numerical result.

Aside from the halo pocket ion implantation steps and some of theS/D-extension ion implantation steps, all of the ion implantation stepsin the semiconductor fabrication platform of FIG. 33 are performedroughly perpendicular to the upper (or lower) semiconductor surface.More particularly, some of the roughly perpendicular ion implantationsteps are performed virtually perpendicular to the upper semiconductorsurface, i.e., at substantially a zero value of tilt angle α. The valueof tilt angle α is substantially zero in each ion implantation describedbelow for which no value, or range of values is given for tilt angle α.

The remainder of the roughly perpendicular ion implantation steps areperformed with tilt angle α set at a small value, typically 7°. Thissmall deviation from perpendicularity is used to avoid undesirable ionchanneling effects. For simplicity, the small deviation fromperpendicularity is generally not indicated in FIG. 33.

Angled ion implantation refers to implanting ions of a semiconductordopant at a significant non-zero value of tilt angle α. For angled ionimplantation, tilt angle α is normally at least 15°. Depending onwhether an IGFET has one halo pocket portion or a pair of halo pocketportions, angled ion implantation is generally employed to provide anIGFET with semiconductor dopant for each such halo pocket portion.Angled ion implantation is also sometimes employed to provide certain ofthe IGFETs with S/D extensions. Tilt angle α is normally constant duringeach particular angled ion implantation but can sometimes be variedduring an angled implantation.

As viewed perpendicular to a plane extending generally parallel to theupper (or lower) semiconductor surface, the image of the tilt angle'simpingement axis on that plane is at an azimuthal angle β to thelongitudinal direction of each IGFET and thus at azimuthal angle β toone of the semiconductor body's principal lateral directions. Each ionimplantation at a non-zero value of tilt angle α is normally performedat one or more non-zero values of azimuthal angle β. This applies toboth the angled ion implantations and the tilted implantations performedat a small value, again typically 7°, of tilt angle α to avoid ionchanneling.

Most of the ion implantations at a non-zero value of tilt angle α arenormally performed at one or more pairs of different values of azimuthalangle β. Each pair of values of azimuthal angle β normally differs byapproximately 180°. Approximately the same dosage of the ion-implantedsemiconductor dopant is normally provided at each of the two values ofeach of the pairs of azimuthal-angle values.

Only one pair of azimuthal-angle values differing by approximately 180°is needed if the longitudinal directions of all the IGFETs in a group ofIGFETs receiving semiconductor dopant during a tilted ion implantationextend in the same principal lateral direction of the semiconductorbody. In that case, one half of the total implant dosage can be suppliedat one of the azimuthal-angle values, and the other half of the totalimplant dosage is supplied at the other azimuthal-angle value. Onechoice for the two azimuthal-angle values is 0° and 180° relative to thesemiconductor body's principal lateral direction extending parallel tothe longitudinal directions of the IGFETs.

Four different values of azimuthal angle β, i.e., two pairs of differentazimuthal-angle values, can be employed for a tilted ion implantationsimultaneously performed on a group of IGFETs whose longitudinaldirections variously extend in both of the semiconductor body'sprincipal lateral directions. Each consecutive pair of values ofazimuthal angle β then normally differs by approximately 90°. In otherwords, the four values of azimuthal angle β are β₀, β₀+90°, β₀+180°, andβ₀+270° where β₀ is a base azimuthal-angle value ranging from 0° to justunder 90°. For instance, if base value β₀ is 45°, the four values ofazimuthal angle β are 45°, 135°, 225°, and 315°. Ion implanting at fourazimuthal-angle values with 90° angular increments is referred to as afour-quadrant implant. Approximately one fourth of the total implantdosage is supplied at each of the four azimuthal-angle values.

Tilted ion implantation, including angled ion implantation for whichtilt angle α is normally at least 15°, can be done in various otherways. If an angled ion implantation is simultaneously performed on agroup of asymmetric IGFETs laid out to have the same orientation so asto provide each asymmetric IGFET in the group only with a sourceextension or only with a source-side halo pocket portion, the angledimplantation can be done at as little as a single value, e.g., 0°, ofazimuthal angle β. Tilted ion implantation can also be done as thesemiconductor body is rotated relative to the source of thesemiconductor dopant so that azimuthal angle β varies with time. Forinstance, azimuthal angle β can vary with time at a variable or constantrate. The implant dosage is then typically provided to the semiconductorbody at variable or a constant rate.

While tilted ion implantation can be done in different ways in differenttilted implantation steps, each tilted implantation simultaneouslyperformed on a group of IGFETs subsequent to defining the shapes oftheir gate electrodes is preferably done at four azimuthal-angle valuesof β₀, β₀+90°, β₀+180°, and β₀+270° with approximately one fourth of thetotal implant dosage supplied at each azimuthal-angle value. The tiltedimplantation characteristics of IGFETs oriented one way on thesemiconductor body are respectively substantially the same as the tiltedion implantation characteristics of like-configured IGFETs that may beoriented another way in another way on the semiconductor body. Thismakes it easier for an IC designer to design an IC manufacturedaccording to an implementation of the semiconductor fabrication platformof FIG. 33.

In each ion implantation performed after the gate-electrode shapes aredefined and used to introduce a semiconductor dopant through one or moreopenings in a photoresist mask into one or more selected parts of thesemiconductor body, the combination of the photoresist mask, the gateelectrodes (or their precursors), and any material situated along thesides of the gate electrodes serves as a dopant-blocking shield to ionsof the dopant impinging on the semiconductor body. Material situatedalong the sides of the gate electrodes may include dielectric sidewallspacers situated along at least the transverse sides of the gateelectrodes.

When the ion implantation is an angled implantation performed at four90° incremental values of azimuthal angle β with material of theso-implanted regions, e.g., the halo pocket portions and some of the S/Dextensions, extending significantly under the gate electrodes, thedopant-blocking shield may cause the implanted material below each gateelectrode to receive ions impinging at no more than two of fourincremental β values. If base azimuthal-angle value β₀ is zero so thatthe four azimuthal-angle values are 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°, thematerial below the gate electrode largely receives ions impinging atonly a corresponding one of the four 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° values.This dosage N′ of impinging ions is referred to as a one quadrant doseN′₁.

If base azimuthal-angle value β₀ is greater than zero, the materialbelow the gate electrode largely receives some ions impinging at onecorresponding one of the four β₀, β₀+90°, β₀+180°, and β₀+270° valuesand other ions impinging at a corresponding adjacent one of the four β₀,β₀+90°, β₀+180°, and β₀+270° values. The total dosage N′ of ionsreceived by the material below the gate electrode is approximately:N′=N′ ₁(sin β₀+cos β₀)  (5)The maximum dose N′_(max) of ions received by the material below thegate electrode occurs when base azimuthal-angle value β₀ is 45°. UsingEq. 5, maximum dose N′_(max) is √{square root over (2)}N′₁. Inasmuch as√{square root over (2)} is approximately 1.4, maximum dose N′_(max) isonly about 40% higher than one quadrant dose N′₁. For simplicity, dosageN′ of ions received by material below the gate electrode is, except asotherwise indicated, approximated herein as a one quadrant dose N′₁ eventhough actual dosage N′ varies from N′₁ to approximately 1.4N′₁depending on base azimuthal-angle value β₀.

The dopant-containing particle species of the n-type semiconductordopant utilized in each of the n-type ion implantations in thefabrication process of FIG. 33 consists of the specified n-type dopantin elemental form except as otherwise indicated. In other words, eachn-type ion implantation is performed with ions of the specified n-typedopant element rather than with ions of a chemical compound containingthe dopant element. The dopant-containing particle species of the p-typesemiconductor dopant employed in each of the p-type ion implantationsvariously consists of the p-type dopant, normally boron, in elemental orchemical compound form. Hence, each p-type ion implantation is normallyperformed with boron ions or with ions of a boron-containing chemicalcompound such as boron difluoride. The ionization charge state duringeach ion implantation is single ionization of the positive type exceptas otherwise indicated.

The n-type and p-type dopants diffuse both laterally and verticallyduring elevated-temperature operations, i.e., temperature significantlygreater than room temperature. Lateral and vertical diffusion of thedopants used to define the source/drain zones and the halo pocketportions is generally indicated in FIG. 33. Upward vertical diffusion ofthe dopants that define the empty main well regions is shown in FIG. 33because upward diffusion of those dopants is important to achieving thebenefits of using empty main well regions in the present CIGFETstructure. For simplicity in illustration, downward and lateraldiffusion of the empty main well dopants is not indicated in FIG. 33.Nor does FIG. 33 generally indicate diffusion of any of the other welldopants.

Each anneal or other operation described below as being performed atelevated temperature includes a ramp-up segment and a ramp-down segment.During the ramp-up segment, the temperature of the then-existentsemiconductor structure is increased from a low value to the indicatedelevated temperature. The temperature of the semiconductor structure isdecreased from the indicated elevated temperature to a low value, duringthe ramp-down segment. The time period given below for each anneal orother high-temperature operation is the time at which the semiconductorstructure is at the indicated elevated temperature. No time period atthe indicated elevated temperature is given for a spike anneal becausethe ramp-down segment begins immediately after the ramp-up segment endsand the temperature of the semiconductor structure reaches the indicatedelevated temperature.

In some of the fabrication steps in FIG. 33, openings extend through aphotoresist mask above the active semiconductor regions for two IGFETs.When the two IGFETs are formed laterally adjacent to each other in theexemplary cross sections of FIG. 33, the two photoresist openings areillustrated as a single opening in FIG. 33 even though they may bedescribed below as separate openings.

The letter “P” at the end of a reference symbol appearing in thedrawings of FIG. 33 indicates a precursor to a region which is shown inFIG. 11 and which is identified there by the portion of the referencesymbol preceding “P”. The letter “P” is dropped from the referencesymbol in the drawings of FIG. 33 when the precursor has evolvedsufficiently to largely constitute the corresponding region in FIG. 11.

The cross-sectional views of FIGS. 33 d.1-33 y.1, 33 d.2-33 y.2, 33d.3-33 y.3, 33 d.4-33 y.4, and 33 d.5-33 y.5 include many situations inwhich part of the semiconductor structure is substantially the same intwo consecutive cross-sectional views due to the presence of an item,such as a photoresist mask in the later view, that substantiallyprevents any change from occurring in that part of the semiconductorstructure in going from the earlier view to the later view. In order tosimplify the illustration of FIG. 33, the later view in each of thesesituations is often provided with considerably reduced labeling.

N2. Well Formation

The starting point for the fabrication process of FIG. 33 is amonosilicon semiconductor body typically consisting of a heavily dopedp-type substrate 920 and an overlying lightly doped p-type epitaxiallayer 136P. See FIG. 33 a. P+ substrate 920 is a semiconductor waferformed with <100> monosilicon doped with boron to a concentration of4×10¹⁸−5×10¹⁸ atoms/cm³ for achieving a typical resistivity ofapproximately 0.015 ohm-cm. For simplicity, substrate 920 is not shownin the remainder of FIG. 33. Alternatively, the starting point cansimply be a p-type substrate lightly doped substantially the same as p−epitaxial layer 136P.

Epitaxial layer 136P consists of epitaxially grown <100> monosiliconlightly doped p-type with boron to a concentration of approximately4×10¹⁴ atoms/cm³ for achieving a typical resistivity of 30 ohm-cm. Thethickness of epitaxial layer 136P is typically 5.5 μm. When the startingpoint for the fabrication process of FIG. 33 is a lightly doped p-typesubstrate, item 136P is the p− substrate.

Field-insulation region 138 is provided along the upper surface of p−epitaxial layer (or p-substrate) 136P as shown in FIG. 33 b so as todefine a group of laterally separated active monosilicon semiconductorislands 922 that include the active semiconductor islands for all of theillustrated IGFETs. The active islands for the illustrated IGFETs arenot individually indicated in FIG. 33 b. Additional ones (also notseparately indicated in FIG. 33 b) of active islands 922 are used toprovide electrical contact to main well regions 180, 182, 184A, 186A,188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 200, 202, 204, and 206, deep n wellregions 210 and 212, and substrate region 136.

Field insulation 138 is preferably created according to a trench-oxidetechnique but can be created according to a local-oxidation technique.Depth y_(n) of field insulation is normally 0.35-0.55 μm, typically 0.45μm. In providing field insulation 138, a thin screen insulating layer924 of silicon oxide is thermally grown along the upper surface ofepitaxial layer 136P.

A photoresist mask 926 having openings above the locations for deep nwells 210 and 212 and any other deep n wells is formed on screen oxidelayer 924 as shown in FIG. 33 c. The deep n well dopant is ion implantedat a moderate dosage through the openings in photoresist 926, throughthe uncovered sections of screen oxide 924, and into verticallycorresponding portions of the underlying monosilicon to define a groupof laterally separated deep n-type well regions 928, one of which isshown in FIG. 33 c. Photoresist 926 is removed. Deep n well regions 928,which are situated below the upper semiconductor surface and extendupward into selected ones of active islands 922, respectively constituteprecursors to deep n well regions 210 and 212 and any other deep nwells.

The dosage of the deep n well dopant is normally 1×10¹³−1×10¹⁴ ions/cm²,typically 1.5×10¹³ ions/cm². The deep n well dopant normally consists ofphosphorus or arsenic. For the typical case in which phosphorusconstitutes the deep n well dopant, the implantation energy is normally1,000-3,000 keV, typically 1,500 keV.

An initial rapid thermal anneal (“RTA”) is performed on the resultantsemiconductor structure to repair lattice damage and place the atoms ofthe implanted deep n well dopant in energetically more stable states.The initial RTA is performed in a non-reactive environment at 900-1050°C., typically 950-1000° C., for 5-20 s, typically 10 s. The deep n welldopant diffuses vertically and laterally during the initial RTA. Thisdopant diffusion is not indicated in FIG. 33.

In the remainder of the process of FIG. 33, the CIGFET structure at eachprocessing stage is illustrated with five FIGS. “33 z.1”, “33 z.2”, “33z.3”, “33 z.4”, and “33 z.5” where “z” is a letter varying from “d” to“y”. Each FIG. 33 z.1 illustrates additional processing done to createasymmetric high-voltage IGFETs 100 and 102. Each FIG. 33 z.2 illustratesadditional processing done to create asymmetric extended-drain IGFETs104 and 106. Each FIG. 33 z.3 illustrates additional processing done tocreate symmetric low-voltage low-leakage IGFETs 108 and 110. Each FIG.33 z.4 illustrates additional processing done to create symmetriclow-voltage low-V_(T) IGFETs 112 and 114. Each FIG. 33 z.5 illustratesadditional processing done to create symmetric high-voltagenominal-V_(T) IGFETs 116 and 118. Each group of five FIGS. 33 z.1-33 z.5is, for convenience, collectively referred to below as “FIG. 33 z” where“z” varies from “d” to “y”. For instance, FIGS. 33 d.1-33 d.5 arecollectively referred to as “FIG. 33 d”.

A photoresist mask 930 having openings above island 142 for asymmetricp-channel IGFET 102, above island 154 for symmetric p-channel IGFET 114,and above the locations for n-type empty main well regions 184B and 186Aof extended-drain IGFETs 104 and 106 is formed on screen oxide layer 924as depicted in FIG. 33 d. The edge of photoresist mask 930 that definesthe side of empty main well 184B closest to p-type empty main wellregion 184A of IGFET 104 is critically controlled to control separationdistance L_(WW) between empty wells 184A and 184B. The edge ofphotoresist 930 that defines the side of empty main well 186A closest top-type empty main well region 186B of IGFET 106 is critically controlledto control separation distance L_(WW) between empty wells 186A and 186B.Critical photoresist 930 also has an opening (not shown) above island166 for symmetric p-channel IGFET 126.

The n-type empty main well dopant is ion implanted at a moderate dosagethrough the openings in photoresist 930, through the uncovered sectionsof screen oxide 924, and into vertically corresponding portions of theunderlying monosilicon to define (a) n precursors 182P and 194P torespective empty main well regions 182 and 194 of IGFETs 102 and 114,(b) n precursors 184BP and 186AP to respective empty main well regions184B and 186A of IGFETs 104 and 106, and (c) an n precursor (not shown)to empty main well region 206 of IGFET 126. Photoresist 930 is removed.N precursor empty main wells 182P and 186AP respectively extend into,but only partway through, precursors 210P and 212P to deep n wellregions 210 and 212.

The dosage of the n-type empty main well dopant is normally1×10¹³−5×10¹³ ions/cm², typically 2.5×10¹³−3×10¹³ ions/cm². The n-typeempty main well dopant normally consists of phosphorus or arsenic. Forthe typical case in which phosphorus constitutes the n-type empty mainwell dopant, the implantation energy is normally 350-500 keV, typically425-450 keV.

The concentration of the n-type empty main well dopant in n precursorempty main well regions 182P, 184BP, 186AP, and 194P and the n precursorto empty main well region 206 reaches respective local maxima alonglargely the same respective locations as in n-type final empty main wellregions 182, 184B, 186A, 194P, and 206. The n-type empty main welldopant concentration in each of precursor empty main wells 182P, 184BP,186AP, and 194P and the precursor to empty main well 206 variesvertically in roughly a Gaussian manner.

In moving from the location of the n-type empty main well dopantconcentration maximum in each of precursor empty main wells 182P, 184BP,186AP, and 194P and the precursor to empty main well 206 toward theupper semiconductor surface, the n-type empty main well dopantconcentration drops gradually from a moderate doping, indicated bysymbol “n”, to a light doping, indicated by symbol “n−”. Dotted lines296P, 340P, 372P, and 560P in FIG. 33 d basically constitute respectiveprecursors to dotted lines 296, 340, 372, and 560 in FIG. 11. Eachprecursor dotted line 296P, 340P, 372P, or 560P thus roughly representsthe location below which the n-type empty main well dopant concentrationin corresponding precursor empty main well 182P, 184BP, 186AP, or 194Pis at the moderate n doping and above which the n-type empty main welldopant concentration in precursor well 182P, 184BP, 186AP, or 194P is atthe light n− doping.

N precursor empty main well regions 182P, 184BP, 186AP, and 194P and then precursor to empty main well region 206 do not reach the uppersemiconductor surface at this point in the fabrication process. Fourisolated surface-adjoining portions 136P1, 136P2, 136P3, and 136P4 ofp-epitaxial layer 136P are thus respectively present in islands 142,144B, 146A, and 154 respectively above n precursor empty main wells182P, 184BP, 186AP, and 194P. Isolated p− epitaxial-layer portion 136P3also extends laterally over precursor deep n well region 212P. Anotherisolated surface-adjoining portion (not shown) of p− epitaxial layer136P is similarly present in island 166 above the n precursor to emptymain well region 206. Isolated p− epitaxial-layer portions 136P1-136P4and the isolated p− portion of epitaxial layer 136P in island 166 areall separated from the underlying remainder of epitaxial layer 136P bythe combination of field insulation 138 and n-type monosilicon.

The four regions of p− monosilicon formed by segments of (a) isolatedepitaxial-layer portion 136P1 in island 142, (b) the part of isolatedepitaxial-layer portion 136P3 overlying n precursor empty main well186AP in island 146A, (c) isolated epitaxial-layer portion 136P4 inisland 154, and (d) the isolated p− portion of epitaxial layer 136P inisland 166 become n− monosilicon of respective empty main wells 182,186A, 194, and 206 in the final CIGFET structure. In addition, the tworegions of p− monosilicon formed by isolated epitaxial portion 136P2 inisland 144B and the (non-isolated) part of epitaxial layer 136P situatedin island 144A above n precursor empty main well 184BP become n−monosilicon of empty main well 184 in the final CIGFET structure. Thesesix regions of p− monosilicon thus need to be converted to n−monosilicon. As described below, the six p− monosilicon regions arenormally converted to n− monosilicon by upward diffusion of part of then-type empty main well dopant from n precursor empty main well regions182P, 184BP, 186AP, and 194P and the n precursor to empty main wellregion 206 during subsequent fabrication steps, primarily stepsperformed at elevated temperature.

A separate n-type doping operation can also be performed to convert thepreceding six p− monosilicon regions to n− monosilicon if, for example,there is uncertainty that each of the six p− monosilicon regions wouldbe converted fully to n− monosilicon via upward diffusion of part of then-type empty main well dopant during subsequent elevated-temperaturefabrication steps. Before removing photoresist 930, an n-typesemiconductor dopant, referred to as the n-type compensating dopant, canbe ion implanted at a low dosage through the uncovered sections ofscreen oxide 924 and into the underlying monosilicon to convert the sixp− monosilicon regions to n− monosilicon.

If it is desired that any of the six p− monosilicon regions not receivethe n-type compensating dopant or if any other monosilicon region thatreceives the n-type empty main well dopant is not to receive the n-typecompensating dopant, an additional photoresist mask (not shown) havingopenings above selected ones of (a) islands 142, 154, and 166 and (b)the locations for n-type empty main well regions 184B and 186A can beformed on screen oxide layer 924. The n-type compensating dopant is thenion implanted at a low dosage through the openings in the additionalphotoresist mask and into the semiconductor body after which theadditional photoresist is removed. In either case, the dosage of then-type compensating dopant should generally be as low as reasonablefeasible so as to maintain the empty-well nature of final main wellregions 182, 184B, 186A, and 194.

A photoresist mask 932 having openings above island 140 for asymmetricn-channel IGFET 100, above island 152 for symmetric n-channel IGFET 112,above the locations for p-type empty main well regions 184A and 186B ofextended-drain IGFETs 104 and 106, and above the location for isolatingp well region 216 is formed on screen oxide layer 924. See FIG. 33 e.The edge of photoresist mask 932 that defines the side of empty mainwell 184A closest to n-type empty main well region 184B of IGFET 104 iscritically controlled to control separation distance L_(WW) betweenempty wells 184A and 184B. The edge of photoresist 932 that defines theside of empty main well 186B closest to n-type empty main well region186A of IGFET 106 is critically controlled to control separationdistance L_(WW) between empty wells 186A and 186B. Critical photoresist932 also has an opening (not shown) above island 164 for symmetricn-channel IGFET 124.

The p-type empty main well dopant is ion implanted at a moderate dosagethrough the openings in photoresist 932, through the uncovered sectionsof screen oxide 924, and into vertically corresponding portions of theunderlying monosilicon to define (a) p precursors 180P and 192P torespective empty main well regions 180 and 192 of IGFETs 100 and 112,(b) p precursors 184AP and 186BP to respective empty wells 184A and 186Bof IGFETs 104 and 106, (c) p precursor 216P to isolating p well 216 and(d) a p precursor (not shown) to empty main well region 204 of IGFET124. Photoresist 932 is removed. P precursor empty main well regions180P and 186BP respectively extend into, but only partway through,precursor deep n well regions 210P and 212P.

The dosage of the p-type empty main well dopant is normally1×10¹³−5×10¹³ ions/cm², typically 2.5×10¹³−3×10¹³ ions/cm². The p-typeempty main well dopant normally consists of boron in elemental form orin the form of boron difluoride. For the typical case in which elementalboron constitutes the p-type empty main well dopant, the implantationenergy is normally 100-225 keV, typically 150-175 keV.

The concentration of the p-type empty main well dopant in p precursorempty main well regions 180P, 184AP, 186BP, and 192P and the p precursorto empty main well region 204 reaches respective local maxima alonglargely the same respective locations as in p-type final empty main wellregions 180, 184A, 186B, 192P, and 204. The n-type empty main welldopant concentration in each of precursor empty main wells 180P, 184AP,186BP, and 192P and the precursor to empty main well 204 variesvertically in roughly a Gaussian manner.

In moving from the location of the p-type empty main well dopantconcentration maximum in each of precursor empty main wells 180P, 184AP,186BP, and 192P and the precursor to empty main well 204 toward theupper semiconductor surface, the p-type empty main well dopantconcentration drops gradually from a moderate doping, indicated bysymbol “p”, to a light doping, indicated by symbol “p−”. Dotted lines256P, 332P, 380P, and 530P in FIG. 33 e basically constitute respectiveprecursors to dotted lines 256, 332, 380, and 530 in FIG. 11. Eachprecursor dotted line 256P, 332P, 380P, or 530P therefore roughlyrepresents the location below which the p-type empty main well dopantconcentration in corresponding precursor empty main well 180P, 184AP,186BP, or 192P is at the moderate n doping and above which the p-typeempty main well dopant concentration in precursor well 180P, 184AP,186BP, or 192P is at the light p− doping.

P precursor empty main well regions 180P, 184AP, 186BP, and 192P and thep precursor to empty main well region 204 do not reach the uppersemiconductor surface at this point in the fabrication process. Threeadditional surface-adjoining portions 136P5, 136P6, and 136P7 ofp-epitaxial layer 136P are therefore respectively present in islands140, 146B, and 152 respectively above p precursor empty main wells 180P,186BP, and 192P. Another surface-adjoining portion (not shown) of p−epitaxial layer 136P is similarly present in island 164 above the pprecursor to empty main well region 204.

A photoresist mask 934 having openings above islands 150 and 158 forsymmetric p-channel IGFETs 110 and 118 is formed on screen oxide layer924 as depicted in FIG. 33 f. Photoresist mask 934 also has an opening(not shown) above island 162 for symmetric p-channel IGFET 122. Then-type filled main well dopant is ion implanted at a moderate dosagethrough the openings in photoresist 934, through the uncovered sectionsof screen oxide 924, and into vertically corresponding portions of theunderlying monosilicon to define (a) n precursors 494P and 620P torespective filled-well main body-material portions 494 and 620 of IGFETs110 and 118 and (b) an n precursor (not shown) to filled-well mainbody-material portion 694 of IGFET 122. The n-type filled main wellimplantation is normally done at the same conditions and with the samen-type dopant as the n-type empty main well implantation.

With photoresist mask 934 still in place, the n-type APT dopant is ionimplanted at a moderate dosage through the openings in photoresist 934,through the uncovered sections of screen oxide 924, and into verticallycorresponding portions of the underlying monosilicon to define (a) nprecursors 496P and 622P to respective intermediate body-materialportions 496 and 622 of IGFETs 110 and 118 and (b) an n precursor (notshown) to further body-material portion 696 of IGFET 122. Photoresist934 is now removed. N precursor intermediate body-material portions 496Pand 622P respectively overlie n precursor filled-well main body-materialportions 494P and 620P. The n precursor to further body-material portion696 overlies the n precursor to filled-well main body-material portion694.

Each of n precursor body-material portions 494P and 496P normallyextends laterally below the intended location for substantially all ofeach of channel zone 484 and S/D zones 480 and 482 of IGFET 110. Each ofn precursor body-material portions 620P and 622P similarly normallyextends laterally below the intended location for substantially all ofeach of channel zone 614 and S/D zones 610 and 612 of IGFET 118. The nprecursor to body-material portion 696 normally extends laterally belowthe intended location for substantially all of each of channel zone 684and S/D zones 680 and 682 of IGFET 122. The n precursors tobody-material portions 694 and 696 form an n precursor (not shown) tofilled well region 202 of IGFET 122.

The dosage of the n-type APT dopant is normally 1×10¹²−6×10¹² ions/cm²,typically 3×10¹² ions/cm². The n-type APT dopant normally consists ofphosphorus or arsenic. For the typical case in which phosphorusconstitutes the n-type APT dopant, the implantation energy is 75-150keV, typically 100-125 keV. The n-type APT implantation can be performedwith photoresist 934 prior to the n-type filled main well implantation.

A photoresist mask 936 having openings above islands 148 and 156 forsymmetric n-channel IGFETs 108 and 116 is formed on screen oxide layer924. See FIG. 33 g. Photoresist mask 936 also has an opening (not shown)above island 160 for symmetric n-channel IGFET 120. The p-type filledmain well dopant is ion implanted at a moderate dosage through theopenings in photoresist 936, through the uncovered sections of screenoxide 924, and into vertically corresponding portions of the underlyingmonosilicon to define (a) p precursors 454P and 590P to respectivefilled-well main body-material portions 454 and 590 of IGFETs 108 and116 and (b) a p precursor (not shown) to filled-well main body-materialportion 654 of IGFET 120. The p-type filled main well implantation isnormally done at the same conditions and with the same p-type dopant asthe p-type empty main well implantation.

With photoresist mask 936 still in place, the p-type APT dopant is ionimplanted at a moderate dosage through the openings in photoresist 936,through the uncovered sections of screen oxide 924, and into verticallycorresponding portions of the underlying monosilicon to define (a) pprecursors 456P and 592P to respective intermediate body-materialportions 456 and 592 of IGFETs 108 and 116 and (b) a p precursor (notshown) to further body-material portion 656 of IGFET 120. Photoresist936 is now removed. P precursor intermediate body-material portions 456Pand 592P respectively overlie p precursor filled-well main body-materialportions 454P and 590P. The p precursor to further body-material portion656 overlies the p precursor to filled-well main body-material portion654.

Each of p precursor body-material portions 454P and 456P normallyextends laterally below the intended location for substantially all ofeach of channel zone 444 and S/D zones 440 and 442 of IGFET 108. Each ofp precursor body-material portions 590P and 592P similarly normallyextends laterally below the intended location for substantially all ofeach of channel zone 584 and S/D zones 580 and 582 of IGFET 116. The pprecursor to body-material portion 656 normally extends laterally belowthe intended location for substantially all of each of channel zone 644and S/D zones 640 and 642 of IGFET 120. In addition, the p precursors tobody-material portions 654 and 656 form a p precursor (not shown) tofilled well region 200 of IGFET 120.

The dosage of the p-type APT dopant is normally 4×10¹²−1.2×10¹³ions/cm², typically 7×10¹² ions/cm². The p-type APT dopant normallyconsists of boron in elemental form or in the form of boron difluoride.For the typical case in which elemental boron constitutes the p-type APTdopant, the implantation energy is 50-125 keV, typically 75-100 keV. Thep-type APT implantation can be performed with photoresist 936 prior tothe p-type filled main well implantation.

None of the remaining semiconductor dopants introduced into thesemiconductor body significantly go into precursor deep n wells 210P and212P (or into any other precursor deep n well). Since the initial RTAcaused the atoms of the deep n well dopant to go into energetically morestable states, precursor deep n wells 210P and 212P are respectivelysubstantially final deep n wells 210 and 212 and are so indicated in theremaining drawings of FIG. 33.

A photoresist mask 938 having openings above islands 150 and 158 forsymmetric p-channel IGFETs 110 and 118 is formed on screen oxide layer924 as depicted in FIG. 33 h. The n-type threshold-adjust dopant is ionimplanted at a light-to-moderate dosage through the openings inphotoresist 938, through the uncovered sections of screen oxide 924, andinto vertically corresponding portions of the underlying monosilicon todefine n precursors 498P and 624P to respective upper body-materialportions 498 and 624 of IGFETs 110 and 118. Photoresist 938 is removed.N precursor upper body-material portions 498P and 624P respectivelyoverlie n precursor intermediate body-material portions 496P and 622P. Nprecursor body-material portions 494P, 496P, and 498P form an nprecursor 190P to filled well region 190 of IGFET 110. N precursorbody-material portions 620P, 622P, and 624P form an n precursor 198P tofilled well region 198 of IGFET 118.

The dosage of the n-type threshold-adjust dopant is normally1×10¹²−6×10¹² ions/cm², typically 3×10¹² ions/cm². The n-typethreshold-adjust dopant normally consists of arsenic or phosphorus. Forthe typical case in which arsenic constitutes the n-typethreshold-adjust dopant, the implantation energy is normally 60-100 keV,typically 80 keV.

A photoresist mask 940 having openings above islands 148 and 156 forsymmetric n-channel IGFETs 108 and 116 is formed on screen oxide layer924. See FIG. 33 i. The p-type threshold-adjust dopant is ion implantedat a light-to-moderate dosage through the openings in photoresist 940,through the uncovered sections of screen oxide 924, and into verticallycorresponding portions of the underlying monosilicon to define pprecursors 458P and 594P to respective upper body-material portions 458and 594 of IGFETs 108 and 116. Photoresist 940 is removed. P precursorupper body-material portions 458P and 594P respectively overlie pprecursor intermediate body-material portions 456P and 592P. P precursorbody-material portions 454P, 456P, and 458P form a p precursor 188P tofilled well region 188 of IGFET 108. P precursor body-material portions590P, 592P, and 594P form a p precursor 196P to filled well region 196of IGFET 116.

The dosage of the p-type threshold-adjust dopant is normally2×10¹²−8×10¹² ions/cm², typically 4×10¹² ions/cm². The p-typethreshold-adjust dopant normally consists of boron in elemental form orin the form of boron difluoride. For the typical case in which elementalboron constitutes the p-type threshold-adjust dopant, the implantationenergy is normally 15-35 keV, typically 25 keV.

Tilt angle α is normally approximately 7° for the n-type APT, p-typeAPT, and p-type threshold-adjust implantations. Tilt angle α isapproximately 0° for the remainder of the preceding implantations. Eachof the preceding implantations is performed at only one value ofazimuthal angle β, i.e., each of them is a single-quadrant implantation.Azimuthal angle β is 30°-35° for the n-type APT, p-type APT, and p-typethreshold-adjust implantations and approximately 0° for the remainder ofthe preceding implantations.

N3. Gate Formation

The upper semiconductor surface is exposed by removing screen oxidelayer 924 and cleaned, typically by a wet chemical process. Asacrificial layer (not shown) of silicon oxide is thermally grown alongthe upper semiconductor surface to prepare the upper semiconductorsurface for gate dielectric formation. The thickness of the sacrificialoxide layer is typically at least 10 nm. The sacrificial oxide layer issubsequently removed. The cleaning operation and the formation andremoval of the sacrificial oxide layer remove defects and/orcontamination along the upper semiconductor surface to produce ahigh-quality upper semiconductor surface.

A comparatively thick gate-dielectric-containing dielectric layer 942 isprovided along the upper semiconductor surface as depicted in FIG. 33 j.Portions of thick dielectric layer 942 are at the lateral locations for,and later constitute portions of, the gate dielectric layers at the highgate dielectric thickness t_(GdH), i.e., gate dielectric layers 260 and300 of asymmetric IGFETs 100 and 102, gate dielectric layers 344 and 384of extended-drain IGFETs 104 and 106, and the gate dielectric layers ofthe illustrated high-voltage symmetric IGFETs. To allow for subsequentincrease in the thickness of the sections of dielectric layer 942 at thelateral locations for the t_(GdH) high-thickness gate dielectric layers,the thickness of layer 942 is slightly less, typically 0.2 nm less, thanthe intended t_(GdH) thickness.

Thick dielectric layer 942 is normally thermally grown. The thermalgrowth is performed in a wet oxidizing environment at 900-1100° C.,typically 1000° C., for 30-90 s, typically 45-60 s. Layer 942 normallyconsists of substantially pure silicon oxide for which the wet oxidizingenvironment is formed with oxygen and hydrogen.

The high-temperature conditions of the thermal growth of thickdielectric layer 942 serves as an anneal which repairs lattice damagecaused by the implanted p-type and n-type main well dopants and placesatoms of the implanted p-type and n-type main well dopants inenergetically more stable states. As a result, precursor well region216P substantially becomes isolating p well region 216. Precursorfilled-well main body-material portions 454P and 590P and the precursorto filled-well main body-material portion 654 substantially respectivelybecome p filled-well main body-material portions 454, 590, and 654 ofIGFETs 108, 116, and 120. Precursor filled-well main body-materialportions 494P and 620P and the precursor to filled-well mainbody-material portion 694 substantially respectively become nfilled-well main body-material portions 494, 620, and 694 of IGFETs 110,118, and 122.

The high temperature of the thermal growth of thick dielectric layer 942also causes the p-type and n-type well, APT, and threshold-adjustdopants, especially the main well dopants, to diffuse vertically andlaterally. FIG. 33 j only indicates the upward diffusion of the emptymain well dopants. As a result of the upward diffusion of the empty mainwell dopants, precursor empty main well regions 180P, 182P, 184AP,184BP, 186AP, 186BP, 192P, and 194P expand upward toward the uppersemiconductor surface. The same occurs with the precursors to empty mainwell regions 204 and 206.

Precursor empty main wells 180P, 182P, 184AP, 184BP, 186AP, 186BP, 192P,and 194P and the precursors to empty main wells 204 and 206 may reachthe upper semiconductor surface during the thick-dielectric-layerthermal growth if it is sufficiently strong. However, precursor emptywells 180P, 182P, 184AP, 184BP, 186AP, 186BP, 192P, and 194P and theprecursors to empty wells 204 and 206 typically expand upward onlypartway to the upper semiconductor surface during thethick-dielectric-layer thermal growth. This situation is illustrated inFIG. 33 j. Due to the upward expansion of precursor empty wells 180P,182P, 184AP, 184BP, 186AP, 186BP, 192P, and 194P and the precursors toempty wells 204 and 206, isolated p− epitaxial-layer portions136P1-136P7 and the isolated p− portions of epitaxial layer 136P inislands 164 and 166 shrink in size vertically.

A photoresist mask (not shown) having openings above the monosiliconislands for the illustrated low-voltage IGFETs is formed on thickdielectric layer 942. The uncovered material of dielectric layer 942 isremoved to expose the monosilicon islands for the illustratedlow-voltage IGFETs. Referring to FIG. 33 k, item 942R is the remainderof thick gate-dielectric-containing dielectric layer 942.

A thin layer (not shown) of silicon is also removed along the uppersurface of each of the islands for the illustrated low-voltage IGFETs inorder to compensate for non-ideal silicon-oxide-to-silicon selectivityof the etching process. This ensures complete removal of the gatedielectric material at the removal locations. Additional defects and/orcontamination, e.g., contamination caused by the photoresist, presentalong the upper surfaces of the islands for the illustrated low-voltageIGFETs, are removed in the course of removing the thin silicon layers.The photoresist is subsequently removed.

A comparatively thin gate-dielectric-containing dielectric layer 944 isprovided along the upper semiconductor surface above the islands for theillustrated low-voltage IGFETs and thus at the respective laterallocations for their gate dielectric layers. Again see FIG. 33 k.Portions of thin dielectric layer 944 later respectively constitute thegate dielectric layers for the illustrated low-voltage IGFETs.

Thin dielectric layer 944 is normally created by a combination ofthermal growth and plasma nitridization. The thermal growth of thindielectric layer 944 is initiated in a wet oxidizing environment at800-1000° C., typically 900° C., for 10-20 s, typically 15 s. Layer 944then consists of substantially pure silicon oxide for which the wetoxidizing environment is formed with oxygen and hydrogen.

Nitrogen is normally incorporated into thin dielectric layer 944 by aplasma nitridization operation performed subsequent to the wet-oxidizingthermal oxide growth primarily for preventing boron in p++ gateelectrodes 502, 568, and 702 of symmetric low-voltage p-channel IGFETs110, 114, and 122 from diffusing into their channel zones 484, 554, and684. Layer 944 is thereby converted into a combination of silicon,oxygen, and nitrogen. The plasma nitridization operation, describedfurther below, is normally performed so that nitrogen constitutes 6-12%,preferably 9-11%, typically 10%, of layer 944 by mass.

An intermediate RTA is performed on the semiconductor structure in aselected ambient gas at 800-1000° C., typically 900° C., for 10-20 s,typically 15 s. The ambient gas is normally oxygen. Due to the oxygen,the thickness of thin dielectric layer 944 increases slightly by thermalgrowth during the intermediate RTA. The thickness of dielectric layer944 now substantially equals low gate dielectric thickness t_(GdL),i.e., 1-3 nm, preferably 1.5-2.5 nm, typically 2 nm for 1.2-V operationof the illustrated low-voltage IGFETs.

The thickness of thick gate-dielectric-containing dielectric remainder942R increases slightly by thermal growth during the thermal growth ofthin dielectric layer 944. Due to reduced oxygen penetration to theupper surfaces of islands 140, 142, 144A, 144B, 146A, 146B, 156, 158,164, 166, 172, and 174 covered with thick dielectric remainder 942R, theincrease in the thickness of dielectric remainder 942R is considerablyless than the thickness of thin dielectric layer 944. This relativelysmall increase in the thickness of thick dielectric remainder 942R isnot shown in FIG. 33.

Thick dielectric remainder 942R receives nitrogen during the plasmanitridization operation. Because thick dielectric remainder 942R isthicker than thin dielectric layer 944, thick dielectric remainder 942Rhas a lower percentage by mass of nitrogen than thin dielectric layer944. At the end of the thermal growth of thin dielectric layer 942 andthe subsequent plasma nitridization, the thickness of thick dielectricremainder 942R substantially equals the t_(GdH) high-thickness gatedielectric thickness value, i.e., normally 4-8 nm, preferably 5-7 nm,typically 6-6.5 nm for 3.0-V operation of the illustrated high-voltageIGFETs, including asymmetric IGFETs 100 and 102. The percentage by massof nitrogen in thick dielectric layer 942R approximately equals thepercentage by mass of nitrogen in thin dielectric layer 944 multipliedby the ratio of low dielectric thickness value t_(GdL) to highdielectric thickness value t_(GdH).

The high temperature of the thermal growth of thin dielectric layer 944acts as an anneal which causes the implanted p-type and n-type well,APT, and threshold-adjust dopants to diffuse further vertically andlaterally. With the thermal growth of thin dielectric layer 944performed at a lower temperature, and for a considerably shorter timeperiod, than the thermal growth of thick dielectric layer 942, the well,APT, and threshold-adjust dopants diffuse considerably less during thethin-dielectric-layer thermal growth than during thethick-dielectric-layer thermal growth. Only the upward diffusion of theempty main well dopants during the thin-dielectric-layer thermal growthis indicated in FIG. 33 k.

Precursors 262P, 302P, 346P, 386P, 462P, 502P, 538P, 568P, 598P and 628Pto respective gate electrodes 262, 302, 346, 386, 462, 502, 538, 568,598 and 628 of IGFETs 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, and118 are now formed on the partially completed CIGFET structure of FIG.33 k. See FIG. 33 l. Precursors (not shown) to gate electrodes 662, 702,738, 768, 798, 828, 858, and 888 of IGFETs 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130,132, and 134 are simultaneously formed on the partially completedstructure.

More particularly, precursor gate electrodes 262P, 302P, 598P, and 628Pfor high-voltage IGFETs 100, 102, 116, and 118 and the precursors togate electrodes 738, 768, 858, and 888 of high-voltage IGFETs 124, 126,132, and 134 are formed on thick gate-dielectric-containing dielectricremainder 942R respectively above selected segments of islands 140, 142,156, 158, 164, 166, 172, and 174. Precursor gate electrode 346P forextended-drain n-channel IGFET 104 is formed on thick dielectricremainder 942R and part of field-insulation portion 138A so as tooverlie a selected segment of island 144A without extending over island144B. Precursor gate electrode 386P for extended-drain p-channel IGFET106 is similarly formed on thick dielectric remainder 942R and part offield-insulation portion 138B so as to overlie a selected segment ofisland 146A without extending over island 146B. Precursor gateelectrodes 462P, 502P, 538P, and 568P for low-voltage IGFETs 108, 110,112, and 114 and the precursors to gate electrodes 662, 702, 798, and828 of low-voltage IGFETs 120, 122, 128, and 130 are formed on thingate-dielectric-containing dielectric layer 944 respectively aboveselected segments of islands 148, 150, 152, 154, 160, 162, 168, and 170.

Precursor gate electrodes 262P, 302P, 346P, 386P, 462P, 502P, 538P,568P, 598P and 628P and the precursors to gate electrodes 662, 702, 738,768, 798, 828, 858, and 888 are created by depositing a layer of largelyundoped (intrinsic) polysilicon on dielectric remainder 942R anddielectric layer 944 and then patterning the polysilicon layer using asuitable critical photoresist mask (not shown). Portions (not shown) ofthe gate-electrode polysilicon layer can be used for polysiliconresistors. Each such resistor portion of the polysilicon layer typicallyoverlies field insulation 138. The thickness of the polysilicon layer is160-200 nm, typically 180 nm.

The polysilicon layer is patterned so that precursor polysilicon gateelectrodes 262P, 302P, 462P, 502P, 538P, 568P, 598P and 628P and theprecursors to gate electrodes 662, 702, 738, 768, 798, 828, 858, and 888respectively overlie the intended locations for channel zones 244, 284,444, 484, 524, 554, 584, 614, 644, 684, 724, 754, 784, 814, 844, and 874of the illustrated non-extended-drain IGFETs. In addition, precursorpolysilicon gate electrode 346P for extended-drain n-channel IGFET 104overlies the intended location for channel zone 322, including theintended location for the channel-zone segment of portion 136A of p−substrate region 136 (see FIG. 22 a), and extends over the intendedlocation for portion 184B2 of empty main well region 184B partway acrossfield-insulation portion 138A toward the intended location for portion184B1 of empty main well 184B. Precursor polysilicon gate electrode 386Pfor extended-drain n-channel IGFET 106 overlies the intended locationsfor channel zone 362 and portion 136B of p− substrate region 136 (seeFIG. 22 b) and extends over the intended location for portion 186B2 ofempty main well region 186B partway across field-insulation portion 138Btoward portion 186B1 of empty main well 186B.

The portions of thick dielectric remainder 942R underlying precursorgate electrodes 262P, 302P, 598P, 628P of high-voltage IGFETs 100, 102,116, and 118 and the precursors to gate electrodes 738, 768, 858, and888 of high-voltage IGFETs 124, 126, 132, and 134 respectivelyconstitute their gate dielectric layers 260, 300, 596, 626, 736, 766,856, and 886. The portions of dielectric remainder 942R underlyingprecursor gate electrodes 346P and 386P of extended-drain IGFETs 104 and106 respectively constitute their gate dielectric layers 344 and 384.The portions of thin dielectric layer 944 underlying precursor gateelectrodes 462P, 502P, 538P, and 568P of low-voltage IGFETs 108, 110,112, and 114 and the precursors to gate electrodes 662, 702, 798, and828 of low-voltage IGFETs 120, 122, 128, and 130 respectively constitutegate dielectric layers 460, 500, 536, 566, 660, 700, 796, and 826. Thegate dielectric material formed with the gate dielectric layers of theillustrated IGFETs generally respectively separates the precursor gateelectrodes of the illustrated IGFETs from the doped monosilicon intendedto be their respective channel zones.

All portions of thick dielectric remainder 942R and thin dielectriclayer 944 not covered by precursor gate electrodes, including theprecursor gate electrodes for the illustrated IGFETs, are removed in thecourse of removing the photoresist used in patterning the polysiliconlayer. Segments of the islands for the illustrated IGFETs situated tothe sides of their precursor gate electrodes are thereby exposed.

A thin sealing dielectric layer 946 is thermally grown along the exposedsurfaces of the precursor gate electrodes for the illustrated IGFETs.Again see FIG. 33 l. A thin surface dielectric layer 948 simultaneouslyforms along the exposed segments of the islands for the illustratedIGFETs. The thermal growth of dielectric layers 946 and 948 is performedat 900-1050° C., typically 950-1000° C., for 5-25 s, typically 10 s.Sealing dielectric layer 946 has a thickness of 1-3 nm, typically 2 nm.

The high temperature of the thermal growth of dielectric layers 946 and948 acts as a further anneal which causes additional vertical andlateral diffusion of the implanted p-type and n-type well, APT, andthreshold-adjust dopants. With the thermal growth of dielectric layers946 and 948 done for a considerably shorter time period than the thermalgrowth of thick dielectric layer 942, the well, APT, andthreshold-adjust dopants diffuse considerably less during the thermalgrowth of dielectric layers 946 and 948 than during thethick-dielectric-layer thermal growth. None of the additional dopantdiffusion caused by the thermal growth of dielectric layers 946 and 948is indicated in FIG. 33 l.

FIG. 33 l illustrates an example in which the top of each of precursorempty main well regions 180P, 182P, 184AP, 184BP, 186AP, 186BP, 192P and194P is below the upper semiconductor surface at the end of the thermalgrowth of dielectric layers 946 and 948. The tops of the precursors toempty main well regions 204 and 206 are likewise below the uppersemiconductor surface at this point in the fabrication process in theillustrated example. However, precursor empty main wells 180P, 182P,184AP, 184BP, 186AP, 186BP, 192P and 194P and the precursors to emptymain wells 204 and 206 may reach the upper semiconductor by the end ofthe thermal growth of dielectric layers 946 and 948.

N4. Formation of Source/Drain Extensions and Halo Pocket Portions

A photoresist mask 950 having an opening above island 148 for symmetricn-channel IGFET 108 is formed on dielectric layers 946 and 948 as shownin FIG. 33 m. Photoresist mask 950 also has openings (not shown) aboveislands 160, 168, and 172 for symmetric n-channel IGFETs 120, 128, and132. The n-type shallow S/D-extension dopant is ion implanted at a highdosage through the openings in photoresist 950, through the uncoveredsections of surface dielectric 948, and into vertically correspondingportions of the underlying monosilicon to define (a) a pair of laterallyseparated largely identical n+ precursors 440EP and 442EP to respectiveS/D extensions 440E and 442E of IGFET 108, (b) a pair of laterallyseparated largely identical n+ precursors (not shown) to respective S/Dextensions 640E and 642E of IGFET 120, (c) a pair of laterally separatedlargely identical n+ precursors (not shown) to respective S/D extensions780E and 782E of IGFET 128, and (d) a pair of laterally separatedlargely identical n+ precursors (not shown) to respective S/D extensions840E and 842E of IGFET 132.

The n-type shallow S/D-extension implantation is a four-quadrant implantwith tilt angle α equal to approximately 7° and with baseazimuthal-angle value β₀ equal to 20°-25°. The dosage of the n-typeshallow S/D-extension dopant is normally 1×10¹⁴−1×10¹⁵ ions/cm²,typically 5×10¹⁴ ions/cm². Approximately one fourth of the n-typeshallow S/D-extension implant dosage is implanted at eachazimuthal-angle value. The n-type shallow S/D-extension dopant normallyconsists of arsenic or phosphorus. For the typical case in which arsenicconstitutes the n-type shallow S/D-extension dopant, the implantationenergy is normally 6-15 keV, typically 10 keV.

With photoresist mask 950 still in place, the p-type S/D halo dopant ision implanted in a significantly angled manner at a moderate dosagethrough the openings in photoresist 950, through the uncovered sectionsof surface dielectric layer 948, and into vertically correspondingportions of the underlying monosilicon to define (a) a pair of laterallyseparated largely identical p precursors 450P and 452P to respectivehalo pocket portions 450 and 452 of IGFET 108, (b) a pair of laterallyseparated largely identical p precursors (not shown) to respective halopocket portions 650 and 652 of IGFET 120, (c) a pair of laterallyseparated largely identical p precursors (not shown) to respective halopocket portions 790 and 792 of IGFET 128, and (d) a pair of laterallyseparated largely identical p precursors (not shown) to respective halopocket portions 850 and 852 of IGFET 132. See FIG. 33 n. Photoresist 950is removed.

P precursor halo pocket portions 450P and 452P and the p precursors tohalo pocket portions 650, 652, 790, 792, 850, and 852 respectivelyextend deeper than n+ precursor S/D extensions 440EP and 442EP and then+ precursors to S/D extensions 640E, 642E, 780E, 782E, 840E, and 842E.Due to the angled implantation of the p-type S/D halo dopant, pprecursor halo pockets 450P and 452P of IGFET 108 extend laterallypartway under its precursor gate electrode 462P respectively beyond itsn+ precursor S/D extensions 440EP and 442EP. The p precursors halopockets of IGFET 120 similarly extend laterally partway under itsprecursor gate electrode respectively beyond its n+ precursor S/Dextensions. The same relationship applies to the p precursors halopockets, precursor gate electrode, and n+ precursor S/D extensions ofeach of IGFETs 128 and 132.

Tilt angle α for the angled p-type S/D halo implantation is at least15°, normally 20-45°, typically 30°. The dosage of the p-type S/D halodopant is normally 1×10¹³−5×10¹³ ions/cm², typically 2.5×10¹³ ions/cm².The angled p-type S/D halo implantation is a four-quadrant implant withbase azimuthal-angle value β₀ equal to approximately 30°. Approximatelyone fourth of the p-type S/D halo implant dosage is implanted at eachazimuthal-angle value. The p-type S/D halo dopant normally consists ofboron in elemental form or in the form of boron difluoride. For thetypical case in which elemental boron constitutes the p-type S/D halodopant, the implantation energy is 50-100 keV, typically 75 keV. Thep-type S/D halo implantation can be performed with photoresist 950 priorto the n-type shallow S/D-extension implantation.

A photoresist mask 952 having openings above the location for drainextension 242E of asymmetric n-channel IGFET 100 and above islands 152and 156 for symmetric n-channel IGFETs 112 and 116 is formed ondielectric layers 946 and 948 as shown in FIG. 33 o. Photoresist mask952 is critically aligned to precursor gate electrode 262P of IGFET 100.Critical photoresist 952 also has openings (not shown) above islands164, 170, and 174 for symmetric n-channel IGFETs 124, 130, and 134.

The n-type deep S/D-extension dopant is ion implanted in a significantlyangled manner at a high dosage through the openings in photoresist 952,through the uncovered sections of surface dielectric 948, and intovertically corresponding portions of the underlying monosilicon todefine (a) an n+ precursor 242EP to drain extension 242E of IGFET 100,(b) a pair of laterally separated largely identical n+ precursors 520EPand 522EP to respective S/D extensions 520E and 522E of IGFET 112, (c) apair of laterally separated largely identical n+ precursors 580EP and582EP to respective S/D extensions 580E and 582E of IGFET 116, (d) apair of laterally separated largely identical n+ precursors (not shown)to respective S/D extensions 720E and 722E of IGFET 124, (e) a pair oflaterally separated largely identical n+ precursors (not shown) torespective S/D extensions 810E and 812E of IGFET 130, and (f) a pair oflaterally separated largely identical n+ precursors (not shown) torespective S/D extensions 870E and 872E of IGFET 134. Photoresist 952 isremoved.

Tilt angle α for the angled n-type deep S/D-extension implantation is atleast 15°, normally 20-45°, typically 30°. As a result, precursor drainextension 242EP of asymmetric IGFET 100 extends significantly laterallyunder its precursor gate electrode 262P. Precursor S/D extensions 520EPand 522EP of IGFET 112 similarly extend significantly laterally underits precursor gate electrode 538P. Precursors S/D extensions 580EP and582EP of IGFET 116 extend significantly laterally under its precursorgate electrode 598P. The same arises with the precursors to S/Dextensions 720E and 722E of IGFET 124, the precursors to S/D extensions810E and 812E of IGFET 130, and the precursors S/D extensions 870E and872E of IGFET 134 relative to their respective precursor gateelectrodes.

The n-type deep S/D-extension implantation is a four-quadrant implantwith base azimuthal-angle value β₀ equal to 20°-25°. The dosage of then-type deep S/D-extension dopant is normally 2×10¹³−1×10¹⁴ ions/cm²,typically 5×10¹³−6×10¹³ ions/cm². Approximately one fourth of the n-typedeep S/D-extension implant dosage is implanted at each azimuthal-anglevalue. The n-type deep S/D-extension dopant normally consists ofphosphorus or arsenic. For the typical case in which phosphorusconstitutes the n-type deep S/D-extension dopant, the implantationenergy is normally 15-45 keV, typically 30 keV.

A photoresist mask 954 having openings above the location for sourceextension 240E of asymmetric n-channel IGFET 100 and above the locationfor source extension 320E of extended-drain n-channel IGFET 104 isformed on dielectric layers 946 and 948. See FIG. 33 p. Photoresist mask954 is critically aligned to precursor gate electrodes 262P and 346P ofIGFETs 100 and 104. The n-type shallow source-extension dopant is ionimplanted at a high dosage through the openings in critical photoresist954, through the uncovered sections of surface dielectric 948, and intovertically corresponding portions of the underlying monosilicon todefine (a) an n+ precursor 240EP to source extension 240E of IGFET 100and (b) an n+ precursor 320EP to source extension 320E of IGFET 104.Tilt angle α is approximately 7° for the n-type shallow source-extensionimplantation.

The n-type shallow source-extension dopant is normally arsenic which isof greater atomic weight than phosphorus normally used as the n-typedeep S/D-extension dopant. Taking note that precursor source extension240EP and precursor drain extension 242EP of asymmetric IGFET 100 arerespectively defined with the n-type shallow source-extension implantand the angled n-type deep S/D-extension implant, the implantationparameters (including the tilt and azimuthal parameters of the n-typedeep S/D-extension implant) of the steps used to perform these twon-type implants are chosen such that the maximum concentration of then-type deep S/D-extension dopant in precursor drain extension 242EP isless than, normally no more than one half of, preferably no more thanone fourth of, more preferably no more than one tenth of, even morepreferably no more than one twentieth of, the maximum concentration ofthe n-type shallow source-extension dopant in precursor source extension240EP. Alternatively stated, the maximum concentration of the n-typeshallow source-extension dopant in precursor source extension 240EP issignificantly greater than, normally at least two times, preferably atleast four times, more preferably at least 10 times, even morepreferably at least 20 times, the maximum concentration of the n-typedeep S/D-extension dopant in precursor drain extension 242EP.

The maximum concentration of the n-type shallow source-extension dopantin precursor source extension 240EP of asymmetric IGFET 100 occursnormally along largely the same location as in final source extension240E and thus normally along largely the same location as the maximumconcentration of the total n-type dopant in source extension 240E. Themaximum concentration of the n-type deep S/D-extension dopant inprecursor drain extension 242EP of IGFET 100 similarly occurs normallyalong largely the same location as in final drain extension 242E andthus normally along largely the same location as the maximumconcentration of the total n-type dopant in final drain extension 242E.

The energy and other implantation parameters of the n-type shallowsource-extension implant and the n-type deep S/D-extension implant,including the tilt and azimuthal parameters of the angled n-type deepS/D-extension implant, are controlled so that the location of themaximum concentration of the n-type deep S/D-extension dopant inprecursor drain extension 242EP occurs significantly deeper than thelocation of the maximum concentration of the n-type shallowsource-extension dopant in precursor source extension 240EP. Inparticular, the location of the maximum concentration of the n-type deepS/D-extension dopant in precursor drain extension 242EP normally occursat least 10% deeper, preferably at least 20% deeper, more preferably atleast 30% deeper, than the location of the maximum concentration of then-type shallow source-extension dopant in precursor source extension240EP.

The range needed for the n-type deep S/D-extension implantation isconsiderably greater than the range needed for the n-type shallowsource-extension implantation because (a) the maximum concentration ofthe n-type deep S/D-extension dopant in precursor drain extension 242EPis deeper than the maximum concentration of the n-type shallowsource-extension dopant in precursor source extension 240EP and (b) then-type deep S/D-extension implantation is performed at a higher value oftilt angle α than the n-type shallow source-extension implantation. As aresult, precursor drain extension 242EP extends deeper, normally atleast 20% deeper, preferably at least 30% deeper, more preferably atleast 50% deeper, even more preferably at least 100% deeper, thanprecursor source extension 240EP.

For precursor S/D extensions, such as precursor source extension 240EPand precursor drain extension 242EP, defined by ion implantation througha surface dielectric layer such as surface dielectric 948, let t_(Sd)represent the average thickness of the surface dielectric layer. Theaverage depth of a location in a doped monosilicon region of an IGFETis, as mentioned above, measured from a plane extending generallythrough the bottom of the IGFET's gate dielectric layer. A thin layer ofthe monosilicon along the upper surface of the region intended to beprecursor source extension 240EP may be removed subsequent to theformation of gate dielectric layer 260 but prior to ion implantation ofthe n-type shallow source-extension dopant that defines precursor sourceextension 240EP. Let Δy_(SE) represent the average thickness of anymonosilicon so removed along the top of a precursor source extensionsuch as precursor source extension 240EP. The range R_(SE) of thesemiconductor dopant ion implanted to define the precursor sourceextension is then given approximately by:R _(SE)=(y _(SEPK) −Δy _(SE) +t _(Sd))sec α_(SE)  (6)where α_(SE) is the value of tilt angle α used in ion implanting thesemiconductor dopant that defines the precursor source extension. Sincetilt angle value α_(SE) (approximately 7°) is quite small, the factorsec α_(SE) in Eq. 6 is very close to 1 for calculating range R_(SE) forthe n-type shallow source-extension implant.

A thin layer of the monosilicon along the upper surface of the regionintended to be precursor drain extension 242EP may similarly be removedsubsequent to the formation of gate dielectric layer 260 but prior toion implantation of the n-type deep S/D-extension dopant that definesprecursor drain extension 242EP. Let Δy_(DE) represent the averagethickness of any monosilicon so removed along the top of a precursordrain extension such as precursor drain extension 242EP. Accordingly,the range R_(DE) of the semiconductor dopant ion implanted to define theprecursor drain extension is given approximately by:R _(DE)=(y _(DEPK) −Δy _(DE) +t _(Sd))sec α_(DE)  (7)where α_(DE) is the value of tilt angle α used in ion implanting thesemiconductor dopant that defines the precursor drain extension. Becausetilt angle value α is at least 15°, normally 20°-45°, typically 30°, forprecursor drain extension 242EP, the sec α_(DE) factor in Eq. 7 issignificantly greater than 1 for calculating range R_(DE) for the n-typedeep S/D-extension implant.

Values for implantation ranges R_(SE) and R_(DE) are determined fromEqs. 6 and 7 by using y_(SEPK) and y_(DEPK) values which meet theabove-described percentage differences between average depths y_(SEPK)and y_(DEPK) at the locations of the maximum total n-type dopantconcentrations in respective S/D extensions 240E and 242E. The R_(SE)and R_(DE) range values are then respectively used to determine suitableimplantation energies for the n-type shallow source-extension dopant andthe n-type deep S/D-extension dopant.

With the n-type shallow source-extension implantation being performednearly perpendicular to a plane extending generally parallel to theupper semiconductor surface (typically at approximately 7° for tiltangle α), precursor source extension 240EP of asymmetric IGFET 100normally does not extend significantly laterally under precursor gateelectrode 262P. Inasmuch as the angled implantation of the n-type deepS/D-extension dopant used to form precursor drain extension 242EP causesit to extend significantly laterally under precursor gate electrode262P, precursor drain extension 242P extends significantly furtherlaterally under precursor gate electrode 262P than does precursor sourceextension 240EP. The amount by which precursor gate electrode 262Poverlaps precursor drain extension 242EP therefore significantly exceedsthe amount by which precursor gate electrode 262P overlaps precursorsource extension 240EP. The overlap of precursor gate electrode 262P onprecursor drain extension 242EP is normally at least 10% greater,preferably at least 15% greater, more preferably at least 20% greater,than the overlap of precursor gate electrode 262P on precursor sourceextension 240EP.

The n-type shallow source-extension implantation is a four-quadrantimplant with base azimuthal-angle value β₀ equal to 20°-25°. Subject tomeeting the above conditions for the differences between precursorsource extension 240EP and precursor drain extension 242EP of IGFET 100,the dosage of the n-type shallow source-extension dopant is normally1×10¹⁴⁻1×10¹⁵ ions/cm², typically 5×10¹⁴ ions/cm². Approximately onefourth of the n-type shallow source-extension implant dosage isimplanted at each azimuthal-angle value. For the typical case in whicharsenic constitutes the n-type shallow source-extension dopant, theimplantation energy is normally 3-15 keV, typically 10 keV.

With critical photoresist mask 954 still in place, the p-type sourcehalo dopant is ion implanted in a significantly angled manner at amoderate dosage through the openings in photoresist 954, through theuncovered sections of surface dielectric layer 948, and into verticallycorresponding portions of the underlying monosilicon to define (a) a pprecursor 250P to halo pocket portion 250 of asymmetric IGFET 100 and(b) a p precursor 326P to halo pocket portion 326 of extended-drainIGFET 104. See FIG. 33 q. Photoresist 954 is removed.

P precursor halo pocket portions 250P and 326P respectively extenddeeper than n+ precursor source extensions 240EP and 320EP of IGFETs 100and 104. Due to the angled implantation of the p-type source halodopant, p precursor halo pocket 250P of IGFET 100 extends laterallypartway under its precursor gate electrode 262P and beyond its n+precursor source extension 240EP. P precursor halo pocket 326P of IGFET104 similarly extends laterally partway under its precursor gateelectrode 346P and beyond its n+ precursor source extension 320EP.

Tilt angle α for the angled p-type source halo implantation is at least15°, normally 20°-45°, typically 30°. The angled p-type source haloimplantation is a four-quadrant implant with base azimuthal-angle valueβ₀ equal to approximately 45°. The dosage of the p-type source halodopant is normally 1×10¹³−5×10¹³ ions/cm², typically 2.5×10¹³ ions/cm².Approximately one fourth of the p-type source halo implant dosage isimplanted at each azimuthal-angle value. The p-type source halo dopantnormally consists of boron in the form of boron difluoride or inelemental form. For the typical case in which boron in the form of borondifluoride constitutes the p-type source halo dopant, the implantationenergy is 50-100 keV, typically 75 keV. The p-type source haloimplantation can be performed with photoresist 954 prior to the n-typeshallow source-extension implantation.

A photoresist mask 956 having an opening above island 150 for symmetricp-channel IGFET 110 is formed on dielectric layers 946 and 948 as shownin FIG. 33 r. Photoresist mask 956 also has an opening (not shown) aboveisland 162 for symmetric p-channel IGFETs 122. The p-type shallowS/D-extension dopant is ion implanted at a high dosage through theopenings in photoresist 956, through the uncovered sections of surfacedielectric 948, and into vertically corresponding portions of theunderlying monosilicon to define (a) a pair of laterally separatedlargely identical p+ precursors 480EP and 482EP to respective S/Dextensions 480E and 482E of IGFET 110 and (b) a pair of laterallyseparated largely identical n+ precursors (not shown) to respective S/Dextensions 680E and 682E of IGFET 122.

The p-type shallow S/D-extension implantation is a four-quadrant implantwith tilt angle α equal to approximately 7° and with baseazimuthal-angle value β₀ equal to 20°-25°. The dosage of the p-typeshallow S/D-extension dopant is normally 5×10¹³−5×10¹⁴ ions/cm²,typically 1×10¹⁴−2×10¹⁴ ions/cm². Approximately one fourth of the p-typeshallow S/D-extension implant dosage is implanted at eachazimuthal-angle value. The p-type shallow S/D-extension dopant normallyconsists of boron in the form of boron difluoride or in elemental form.For the typical case in which boron in the form of boron difluorideconstitutes the p-type shallow S/D-extension dopant, the implantationenergy is normally 2-10 keV, typically 5 keV.

With photoresist mask 956 still in place, the n-type S/D halo dopant ision implanted in a significantly angled manner at a moderate dosagethrough the openings in photoresist 956, through the uncovered sectionsof surface dielectric layer 948, and into vertically correspondingportions of the underlying monosilicon to define (a) a pair of laterallyseparated largely identical n precursors 490P and 492P to respectivehalo pocket portions 490 and 492 of IGFET 110 and (b) a pair oflaterally separated largely identical n precursors (not shown) torespective halo pocket portions 690 and 692 of IGFET 122. See FIG. 33 s.Photoresist 956 is removed.

N precursor halo pocket portions 490P and 492P and the n precursors tohalo pocket portions 690 and 692 respectively extend deeper than p+precursor S/D extensions 480EP and 482EP and the p+ precursors to S/Dextensions 680E and 682E. Due to the angled implantation of the n-typeS/D halo dopant, n precursor halo pockets 490P and 492P of IGFET 110extend laterally partway under its precursor gate electrode 502Prespectively beyond its p+ precursor S/D extensions 480EP and 482EP. Thep precursors halo pockets of IGFET 122 similarly extend laterallypartway under its precursor gate electrode respectively beyond its p+precursor S/D extensions.

Tilt angle α for the angled n-type S/D halo implantation is at least15°, normally 20°-45°, typically 30°. The angled n-type S/D haloimplantation is a four-quadrant implant with base azimuthal-angle valueβ₀ equal to approximately 45°. The dosage of the n-type S/D halo dopantis normally 1×10¹³−5×10¹³ ions/cm², typically 2.5×10¹³ ions/cm².Approximately one fourth of the n-type S/D halo implant dosage isimplanted at each azimuthal-angle value. The n-type S/D halo dopantnormally consists of arsenic or phosphorus. For the typical case inwhich arsenic constitutes the n-type S/D halo dopant, the implantationenergy is 100-200 keV, typically 150 keV. The n-type S/D halo implantcan be performed with photoresist 956 prior to the p-type shallowS/D-extension implant.

A photoresist mask 958 having openings above the location for drainextension 282E of asymmetric p-channel IGFET 102 and above islands 154and 158 of symmetric p-channel IGFETs 114 and 118 is formed ondielectric layers 946 and 948 as shown in FIG. 33 t. Photoresist mask958 is critically aligned to precursor gate electrode 302P of IGFET 102.Critical photoresist 958 also has an opening (not shown) above island166 for symmetric p-channel IGFET 126.

The p-type deep S/D-extension dopant is ion implanted in a slightlytilted manner at a high dosage through the openings in photoresist 958,through the uncovered sections of surface dielectric 948, and intovertically corresponding portions of the underlying monosilicon todefine (a) a p+ precursor 282EP to drain extension 282E of IGFET 102,(b) a pair of laterally separated largely identical p+ precursors 550EPand 552EP to respective S/D extensions 550E and 552E of IGFET 114, (c) apair of laterally separated largely identical p+ precursors 610EP and612EP to respective S/D extensions 610E and 612E of IGFET 118, and (d) apair of laterally separated largely identical n+ precursors (not shown)to respective S/D extensions 750E and 752E of IGFET 126.

Tilt angle α for the p-type deep S/D-extension implantation isapproximately 7°. Due to implantation of the p-type deep S/D-extensiondopant at a small value of tilt angle α, precursor drain extension 282EPof asymmetric IGFET 102 now extends slightly laterally under itsprecursor gate electrode 302P. Precursor S/D extensions 550EP and 552EPof IGFET 114 similarly extend slightly laterally under its precursorgate electrode 568P. Precursors S/D extensions 610EP and 612EP of IGFET118 extend slightly laterally under its precursor gate electrode 598P.Photoresist 958 is removed.

As described further below, the p-type S/D-extension implantation canalternatively be performed in a significantly tilted manner, includingat a tilt sufficient to constitute angled implantation. In light ofthis, the arrows representing the p-type S/D-extension implant in FIG.33 t are illustrated as slanted to the vertical but not slanted as muchas arrows representing an ion implant performed in significantly tiltedmanner such as the n-type deep S/D-extension implant of FIG. 33 o.

The p-type deep S/D-extension implantation is a four-quadrant implantwith base azimuthal-angle value β₀ equal to approximately 20°-25°. Thedosage of the p-type deep S/D-extension dopant is normally 2×10¹³−2×10¹⁴ions/cm², typically 8×10¹³ ions/cm². Approximately one fourth of thep-type deep S/D-extension implant dosage is implanted at eachazimuthal-angle value. The p-type deep S/D-extension dopant normallyconsists of boron in the form of boron difluoride or in elemental form.For the typical case in which boron in the form of boron difluorideconstitutes the p-type deep S/D-extension dopant, the implantationenergy is normally 5-20 keV, typically 10 keV.

A photoresist mask 960 having openings above the location for sourceextension 280E of asymmetric p-channel IGFET 102 and above the locationfor source extension 360E of extended-drain p-channel IGFET 106 isformed on dielectric layers 946 and 948. See FIG. 33 u. Photoresist mask960 is critically aligned to precursor gate electrodes 302P and 386P ofIGFETs 102 and 106. The p-type shallow source-extension dopant is ionimplanted at a high dosage through the openings in critical photoresist960, through the uncovered sections of surface dielectric 948, and intovertically corresponding portions of the underlying monosilicon todefine (a) a p+ precursor 280EP to source extension 280E of IGFET 102and (b) a p+ precursor 360EP to source extension 360E of IGFET 106.

The p-type shallow source-extension implantation is normally performedwith the same p-type dopant, boron, as the slightly tilted p-type deepS/D-extension implantation. These two p-type implantations are alsonormally performed with the same p-type dopant-containing particlespecies, either boron difluoride or elemental boron, at the sameparticle ionization charge state.

The p-type shallow source-extension implantation is a four-quadrantimplant with tilt angle α equal to approximately 7° and with baseazimuthal-angle value β₀ equal to 20°-25°. Because the p-type shallowextension implant is thus performed nearly perpendicular to a planeextending generally parallel to the upper semiconductor surface,precursor source extension 280EP of asymmetric p-channel IGFET 102 onlyextends extend slightly laterally under precursor gate electrode 302P.

The dosage of the p-type shallow source-extension dopant is normally2×10¹³−2×10¹⁴ ions/cm², typically 8×10¹³ ions/cm². Approximately onefourth of the p-type shallow source-extension implant dosage isimplanted at each azimuthal-angle value. For the typical case in whichboron in the form of boron difluoride constitutes the p-type shallowsource-extension dopant, the implantation energy is normally 5-20 keV,typically 10 keV.

The p-type deep S/D-extension implantation is also a four-quadrantimplant with tilt angle α equal to approximately 7° and with baseazimuthal-angle value β₀ equal to 20°-25°. Examination of the foregoingimplantation dosage and energy information indicates that the p-typeshallow source-extension implantation and the p-type deep S/D-extensionimplantation employ the same typical values of implantation dosage andenergy. Since these two p-type implantations are normally performed withthe same atomic species of p-type semiconductor dopant and with the samep-type dopant-containing particle species at the same particleionization charge state, the two p-type implantations are typicallyperformed at the same conditions. Consequently, depth y_(DEPK) of themaximum concentration of the p-type deep S/D-extension dopant inprecursor drain extension 282EP of asymmetric p-channel IGFET 102 istypically the same as depth y_(SEPK) of the maximum concentration of thep-type shallow source-extension dopant in precursor source extension280EP.

The p-type implanted deep S/D-extension dopant and the p-type implantedshallow source-extension dopant undergo thermal diffusion during latersteps performed at elevated temperature. Thermal diffusion of anion-implanted semiconductor dopant causes it to spread out but normallydoes not significantly vertically affect the location of its maximumconcentration. The maximum concentration of the p-type shallowsource-extension dopant in precursor source extension 280EP of p-channelIGFET 102 thus normally vertically occurs along largely the samelocation as in final source extension 280E and thus normally verticallyoccurs along largely the same location as the maximum concentration ofthe total p-type dopant in source extension 280E. The maximumconcentration of the p-type deep S/D-extension dopant in precursor drainextension 282EP of IGFET 102 similarly normally vertically occurs alonglargely the same location as in final drain extension 282E and thusnormally vertically along largely the same location as the maximumconcentration of the total p-type dopant in final drain extension 282E.For these reasons, depth y_(DEPK) of the maximum concentration of thep-type deep S/D-extension dopant in final drain extension 282E of IGFET102 is typically the same as depth y_(SEPK) of the maximum concentrationof the p-type shallow source-extension dopant in final source extension280E.

With critical photoresist mask 960 still in place, the n-type sourcehalo dopant is ion implanted in a significantly angled manner at amoderate dosage through the openings in photoresist 960, through theuncovered sections of surface dielectric layer 948, and into verticallycorresponding portions of the underlying monosilicon to define (a) an nprecursor 290P to halo pocket portion 290 of asymmetric IGFET 102 and(b) an n precursor 366P to halo pocket portion 366 of extended-drainIGFET 106. See FIG. 33 v. Photoresist 960 is removed.

N precursor halo pocket portions 290P and 366P respectively extenddeeper than p+ precursor source extensions 280EP and 360EP of IGFETs 102and 106. Due to the angled implantation of the n-type source halodopant, n precursor halo pocket 290P of IGFET 102 extends laterallypartway under its precursor gate electrode 302P and beyond its p+precursor source extension 280EP. P precursor halo pocket 366P of IGFET106 similarly extends laterally partway under its precursor gateelectrode 386P and beyond its p+ precursor source extension 360EP.

Tilt angle α_(SH) for the angled n-type source halo implantation is atleast 15°, normally 20°-45°, typically 30°. The angled n-type sourcehalo implantation is a four-quadrant implant with base azimuthal-anglevalue β₀ equal to approximately 45°. The dosage of the n-type sourcehalo dopant is normally 2×10¹³−8×10¹⁴ ions/cm², typically approximately4×10¹³ ions/cm². Approximately one fourth of the n-type source haloimplant dosage is implanted at each azimuthal-angle value. The n-typesource halo dopant normally consists of arsenic or phosphorus. For thetypical case in which arsenic constitutes the n-type source halo dopant,the implantation energy is 75-150 keV, typically 125 keV. The n-typesource halo implant can be performed with photoresist 960 prior to thep-type shallow source-extension implant.

Photoresist masks 950, 952, 954, 956, 958, and 960 used for defininglateral S/D extensions and halo pocket portions can be employed in anyorder. If none of the lateral S/D extensions or halo pocket portionsdefined by a particular one of photoresist masks 950, 952, 954, 956,958, and 960 is present in any IGFET made according to an implementationof the semiconductor fabrication platform of FIG. 33, that mask and theassociated implantation operation(s) can be deleted from the platformimplementation.

An additional RTA is performed on the resultant semiconductor structureto repair lattice damage caused by the implanted p-type and n-typeS/D-extension and halo pocket dopants and to place the atoms of theS/D-extension and halo pocket dopants in energetically more stablestates. The additional RTA is performed in a non-reactive environment at900-1050° C., typically 950-1000° C., for 10-50 s, typically 25 s.

The additional RTA causes the S/D-extension and halo pocket dopants todiffuse vertically and laterally. The well, APT, and threshold-adjustdopants, especially the empty main well dopants, diffuse furthervertically and laterally during the additional RTA. The remainder ofFIG. 33 only indicates the upward diffusion of the empty main welldopants. If precursor empty main well regions 180P, 182P, 184AP, 184BP,186AP, 186BP, 192P and 194P and the precursors to empty main wellregions 204 and 206 did not reach the upper semiconductor surface by theend of the thermal growth of dielectric layers 946 and 948, precursorempty main well regions 180P, 182P, 184AP, 184BP, 186AP, 186BP, 192P and194P and the precursors to empty main well regions 204 and 206 normallyreach the upper semiconductor surface by the end of the additional RTA.This situation is indicated in the remainder of FIG. 33.

Isolated p− epitaxial-layer portions 136P1-136P7 and the other isolatedportions of p-epitaxial layer 136 shrink to zero and do not appear inthe remainder of FIG. 33. P− epitaxial layer 136P substantially becomesp− substrate region 136. For extended-drain n-channel IGFET 104,surface-adjoining portion 136A of p− substrate region 136 laterallyseparates p precursor empty main well region 184AP and n precursor emptymain well region 184BP. For extended-drain p-channel IGFET 106,surface-adjoining portion 136B of p− substrate region 136 is situatedbetween n precursor empty main well region 186AP, p precursor empty mainwell region 186BP, and deep n well 212.

N5. Formation of Gate Sidewall Spacers and Main Portions of Source/DrainZones

Gate sidewall spacers 264, 266, 304, 306, 348, 350, 388, 390, 464, 466,504, 506, 540, 542, 570, 572, 600, 602, 630, and 632 are formed alongthe transverse sidewalls of precursor polysilicon gate electrodes 262P,302P, 346P, 386P, 462P, 502P, 538P, 568P, 598P, and 628P as shown inFIG. 33 w. Gate sidewall spacers 664, 666, 704, 706, 740, 742, 770, 772,800, 802, 830, 832, 860, 862, 890, and 892 are simultaneously formedalong the transverse sidewalls of the precursors to polysilicon gateelectrodes 662, 702, 738, 768, 798, 828, 858, and 888.

The gate sidewall spacers of the illustrated IGFETs are preferablyformed to be of curved triangular shape according to the proceduredescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/382,977, cited above.In brief, a dielectric liner layer (not shown) of tetraethylorthosilicate is deposited on dielectric layers 946 and 948. Furtherdielectric material is deposited on the liner layer. The portions of thefurther dielectric material not intended to constitute the gate sidewallspacers arc then removed, primarily by anisotropic etching conductedgenerally perpendicular to the upper semiconductor surface. Sealingdielectric layer 962 in FIG. 33 w indicates the resulting combination ofsealing layer 946 and the overlying material of the liner layer. Surfacedielectric layer 964 indicates the resulting combination of surfacelayer 948 and the overlying material of the liner layer.

Sidewall spacers (not shown) are simultaneously provided along anyportion of the gate-electrode polysilicon layer designated to be apolysilicon resistor.

A photoresist mask 970 having openings above islands 140, 144A, 144B,148, 152, and 156 for n-channel IGFETs 100, 104, 108, 112, and 116 isformed on dielectric layers 962 and 964 and the gate sidewall spacers.See FIG. 33 x. Photoresist mask 970 also has openings (not shown) aboveislands 160, 164, 168, 170, 172, and 174 for n-channel IGFETs 120, 124,128, 130, 132, and 134.

The n-type main S/D dopant is ion implanted at a very high dosagethrough the openings in photoresist 970, through the uncovered sectionsof surface dielectric layer 964, and into vertically correspondingportions of the underlying monosilicon to define (a) n++ main sourceportion 240M and n++ main drain portion 242M of asymmetric n-channelIGFET 100, (b) n++ main source portion 320M and n++ drain contactportion 334 of extended-drain n-channel IGFET 104, and (c) n++ main S/Dportions 440M, 442M, 520M, 522M, 580M, 582M, 640M, 642M, 720M, 722M,780M, 782M, 810M, 812M, 840M, 842M, 870M, and 872M of the symmetricn-channel IGFETs. The n-type main S/D dopant also enters the precursorgate electrodes for the illustrated n-channel IGFETs, thereby convertingthose precursor electrodes respectively into n++ gate electrodes 262,346, 462, 538, 598, 662, 738, 798, 828, 858, and 888. Photoresist 970 isremoved.

The dosage of the n-type main S/D dopant is normally 2×10¹⁵−2×10¹⁶ions/cm², typically 7×10¹⁵ ions/cm². The n-type main S/D dopant normallyconsists of arsenic or phosphorus. For the typical case in which arsenicconstitutes the n-type main S/D dopant, the implantation energy isnormally 50-100 keV, typically 60-70 keV.

An initial spike anneal is normally performed on the resultantsemiconductor structure at this point to repair lattice damage caused bythe implanted n-type main S/D dopant and to place the atoms of then-type main S/D dopant in energetically more stable states. The spikeanneal is done by raising the temperature of the semiconductor structureto 1000-1200° C., typically 1100° C. Significant diffusion of theimplanted p-type and n-type dopants normally occurs during the initialspike anneal because the spike-anneal temperature is quite high. Thespike anneal also causes the n-type main S/D dopant in the gateelectrodes for the illustrated n-channel IGFETs to spread out.

With the initial spike anneal completed, the portions of precursorregions 240EP, 242EP, and 250P outside n++ main S/D portions 240M and242M of asymmetric n-channel IGFET 100 now respectively substantiallyconstitute its n+ source extension 240E, its n+ drain extension 242E,and its p source-side halo pocket portion 250. The portion of pprecursor empty main well region 180P, now p-type empty-well bodymaterial 180, outside source 240, drain 242, and halo pocket portion 250substantially constitutes p-type empty-well main body-material portion254 of IGFET 100. Precursor dotted line 256P is now substantially dottedline 256 which demarcates generally where the p-type doping in mainbody-material portion 254 drops from moderate to light in moving upward.

The portions of precursor regions 320EP and 326P outside n++ main sourceportion 320M of extended-drain n-channel IGFET 104 respectivelysubstantially constitute its n+ source extension 320E and its psource-side halo pocket portion 326. The portion of p precursor emptymain well region 184AP, now p-type empty-well body material 184A,outside halo pocket portion 326 substantially constitutes pbody-material portion 328 of IGFET 104. The portion of n precursor emptymain well region 184BP, now drain 184B, outside n++ external draincontact portion 334 substantially constitutes n empty-well drain portion336 of IGFET 104. Precursor dotted lines 332P and 340P are nowsubstantially respective dotted lines 332 and 340 which respectivelydemarcate generally where the net dopings in body-material portion 328and drain portion 336 drop from moderate to light in moving upward.

The portions of precursor regions 440EP, 442EP, 450P, and 452P outsiden++ main S/D portions 440M and 442M of symmetric n-channel IGFET 108respectively substantially constitute its n+ S/D extensions 440E and442E and its halo pocket portions 450 and 452. The portions of pprecursor body-material portions 456P and 458P outside S/D zones 440 and442 and halo pockets 450 and 452 substantially constitute pbody-material portions 456 and 458 of IGFET 108. The portion of pprecursor filled main well region 188P outside S/D zones 440 and 442substantially constitutes p-type filled main well region 188 formed withp body-material portions 454, 456, and 458.

The portions of precursor regions 520EP and 522EP outside n++ main S/Dportions 520M and 522M of symmetric n-channel IGFET 112 respectivelysubstantially constitute its n+ S/D extensions 520E and 522E. Theportion of p precursor empty main well region 192P outside S/D zones 520and 522 substantially constitutes p-type body-material empty main well192 of IGFET 112. Precursor dotted line 530P is now substantially dottedline 530 which demarcates the location where the p-type doping inbody-material empty main well 192 drops from moderate to light in movingupward.

The portions of precursor regions 580EP and 582EP outside n++ main S/Dportions 580M and 582M of symmetric n-channel IGFET 116 respectivelysubstantially constitute its n+ S/D extensions 580E and 582E. Theportions of p precursor body-material portions 592P and 594P outside S/Dzones 580 and 582 respectively substantially constitute p body-materialportions 592 and 594 of IGFET 116. The portion of p precursor filledmain well region 196P outside S/D zones 580 and 582 substantiallyconstitutes p-type filled main well region 196 formed with pbody-material portions 590, 592, and 594.

The portions of the precursors to regions 640E, 642E, 650, and 652outside n++ main S/D portions 640M and 642M of symmetric n-channel IGFET120 respectively substantially constitute its n+ S/D extensions 640E and642E and its p halo pocket portions 650 and 652. The portion of the pprecursor to further body-material portion 656P outside S/D zones 640and 642 and halo pockets 650 and 652 substantially constitutes p furtherbody-material portion 656 of IGFET 126. The portion of the p precursorto filled main well region 200 outside S/D zones 640 and 642substantially constitutes p-type filled main well region 200 formed withp body-material portions 654 and 656.

The portions of the precursors to regions 720E and 722E outside n++ mainS/D portions 720M and 722M of symmetric n-channel IGFET 124 respectivelysubstantially constitute its n+ S/D extensions 720E and 722E. Theportion of the p precursor to empty main well region 204 outside S/Dzones 720 and 722 substantially constitutes p-type body-material emptymain well 204 of IGFET 124.

Turning to symmetric native n-channel IGFETs 128, 130, 132, and 134, theportions of the precursors to regions 780E, 782E, 790, and 792 outsiden++ main S/D portions 780M and 782M of IGFET 128 respectivelysubstantially constitute its n+S/D extensions 780E and 782E and its phalo pocket portions 790 and 792. The portions of the precursors toregions 810E and 812E outside n++ main S/D portions 810M and 812M ofIGFET 130 respectively substantially constitute its n+ S/D extensions810E and 812E. The portions of the precursors to regions 840E, 842E,850, and 852 outside n++ main S/D portions 840M and 842M of IGFET 132respectively substantially constitute its n+ S/D extensions 840E and842E and its p halo pocket portions 850 and 852. The portions of theprecursors to regions 870E and 872E outside n++ main S/D portions 870Mand 872M of IGFET 134 respectively substantially constitute its n+ S/Dextensions 870E and 872E.

The n-type shallow S/D-extension implantation for precursor S/Dextensions 440EP and 442EP of n-channel IGFET 108, the precursors to S/Dextensions 640E and 642E of n-channel IGFET 120, the precursors to S/Dextensions 780E and 782E of n-channel IGFET 128, and the precursors toS/D extensions 840E and 842E of n-channel IGFET 132 was performed at aconsiderably greater dosage than the n-type deep S/D-extensionimplantation for precursor drain extension 242EP of n-channel IGFET 100,precursor S/D extensions 520EP and 522EP of n-channel IGFET 112,precursors S/D extensions 580EP and 582EP of n-channel IGFET 116, theprecursors to S/D extensions 720E and 722E of n-channel IGFET 124, theprecursors to S/D extensions 810E and 812E of n-channel IGFET 130, andthe precursors to S/D extensions 870E and 872E of n-channel IGFET 134.In particular, the dosage of 1×10¹⁴−1×10¹⁵ ions/cm², typically 5×10¹⁴ions/cm², for the n-type shallow S/D-extension implantation is normallyin the vicinity of 10 times the dosage of 2×10¹³−1×10¹⁴ ions/cm²,typically 5×10¹³−6×10¹³ ions/cm², for the n-type deep S/D-extensionimplantation. As a result, drain extension 242E of IGFET 100, S/Dextensions 520E and 522E of IGFET 112, S/D extensions 580E and 582E ofIGFET 116, S/D extensions 720E and 722E of IGFET 124, S/D extensions810E and 812E of IGFET 130, and S/D extensions 870E and 872E of IGFET134 are all more lightly doped than S/D extensions 440E and 442E ofIGFET 108, S/D extensions 640E and 642E of IGFET 120, S/D extensions780E and 782E of IGFET 128, and S/D extensions 840E and 842E of IGFET132.

The n-type shallow source-extension implantation for precursor sourceextension 240EP of n-channel IGFET 100 and precursor source extension320EP of n-channel IGFET 104 was performed at a considerably greaterdosage than the n-type deep S/D-extension implantation for precursordrain extension 242EP of IGFET 100, precursor S/D extensions 520EP and522EP of n-channel IGFET 112, precursors 580EP and 582EP to respectiveS/D extensions 580E and 582E of IGFET 116, the precursors to S/Dextensions 720E and 722E of n-channel IGFET 124, the precursors to S/Dextensions 810E and 812E of n-channel IGFET 130, and the precursors toS/D extensions 870E and 872E of n-channel IGFET 134. As with the n-typeshallow S/D-extension implantation, the dosage of 1×10¹⁴−1×10¹⁵ions/cm², typically 5×10¹⁴ ions/cm², for the n-type shallowsource-extension implantation is normally in the vicinity of 10 timesthe dosage of 2×10¹³−1×10¹⁴ ions/cm², typically 5×10¹³−6×10¹³ ions/cm²,for the n-type deep S/D-extension implantation. Consequently, sourceextension 240E of IGFET 100 and source extension 320E of IGFET 104 arealso more lightly doped than S/D extensions 440E and 442E of IGFET 108,S/D extensions 640E and 642E of IGFET 120, S/D extensions 780E and 782Eof IGFET 128, and S/D extensions 840E and 842E of IGFET 132.

As described further below, the source-body and drain-body junctions ofthe illustrated n-channel IGFETs can be vertically graded to reduce thejunction capacitances by implanting n-type semiconductor dopant,referred to here as the n-type junction-grading dopant, through theopenings in photoresist mask 970 while it is in place. Either the n-typemain or junction-grading S/D implantation can be performed first. Ineither case, the initial spike anneal also repairs lattice damage causedby the implanted n-type junction-grading S/D dopant and places the atomsof the n-type junction-grading S/D dopant in energetically more stablestates.

A photoresist mask 972 having openings above islands 142, 146A, 146B,150, 154, and 158 for p-channel IGFETs 102, 106, 110, 114, and 118 isformed on dielectric layers 962 and 964 and the gate sidewall spacers asindicated in FIG. 33 y. Photoresist mask 972 also has openings (notshown) above islands 162 and 166 for p-channel IGFETs 122 and 126.

The p-type main S/D dopant is ion implanted at a very high dosagethrough the openings in photoresist 972, through the uncovered sectionsof surface dielectric layer 964, and into vertically correspondingportions of the underlying monosilicon to define (a) p++ main sourceportion 280M and p++ main drain portion 282M of asymmetric p-channelIGFET 102, (b) p++ main source portion 360M and p++ drain contactportion 374 of extended-drain p-channel IGFET 106, and (c) p++ main S/Dportions 480M, 482M, 550M, 552M, 610M, 612M, 680M, 682M, 750M, and 752Mof the illustrated symmetric p-channel IGFETs. The p-type main S/Ddopant also enters the precursor gate electrodes for the p-channelIGFETs, thereby converting those precursor electrodes respectively intop++ gate electrodes 302, 386, 502, 568, 628, 702, and 768. Photoresist972 is removed.

The dosage of the p-type main S/D dopant is normally 2×10¹⁵−2×10¹⁶ions/cm², typically approximately 7×10¹⁵ ions/cm². The p-type main S/Ddopant normally consists of boron in elemental form or in the form ofboron difluoride. For the typical case in which the p-type main S/Ddopant is boron, the implantation energy is normally 2-10 keV, typically5 keV.

Any portion of the gate-electrode polysilicon layer designated to be apolysilicon resistor is typically doped with n-type or p-typesemiconductor dopant during one or more of the above-mentioned dopingsteps performed subsequent to deposition of the gate-electrodepolysilicon layer. For instance, a polysilicon resistor portion can bedoped with the n-type main S/D dopant or the p-type main S/D dopant.

A further spike anneal is now performed on the resultant semiconductorstructure to repair lattice damage caused by the implanted p-type mainS/D dopant and to place the atoms of the p-type main S/D dopant inenergetically more stable states. The further spike anneal is done byraising the temperature of the semiconductor structure to 900-1200° C.,typically 1100° C. Significant diffusion of the implanted p-type andn-type dopants normally occurs during the further spike anneal becausethe further spike-anneal temperature is quite high. The further spikeanneal also causes the p-type main S/D dopant in the gate electrodes ofthe illustrated p-channel IGFETs to spread out.

The atoms of the element (arsenic or phosphorus) used as the n-type mainS/D dopant are larger than the atoms of boron, the element used as thep-type main S/D dopant. Consequently, the n-type main S/D implant islikely to cause more lattice damage than the boron p-type main S/Dimplant. To the extent that the initial spike anneal performed directlyafter the n-type main S/D implantation does not repair all the latticedamage caused by the n-type main S/D implant, the further spike annealrepairs the reminder of the lattice damage caused by the n-type main S/Dimplant. Additionally, boron diffuses faster, and thus farther for agiven amount of elevated-temperature diffusion impetus, than eitherelement used as the n-type main S/D dopant. By performing the p-typemain S/D implant and associated spike anneal after performing the n-typemain S/D implant and associated spike anneal, undesired diffusion of thep-type main S/D dopant is avoided without incurring significantundesired diffusion of the n-type main S/D dopant.

Upon completion of the further spike anneal, the portions of precursorregions 280EP, 282EP, and 290P outside p++ main S/D portions 280M and282M of asymmetric p-channel IGFET 102 respectively constitute its p+source extension 280E, its p+ drain extension 282E, and its nsource-side halo pocket portion 290. The portion of n precursor emptymain well region 182P, now n-type empty-well body material 182, outsidesource 280, drain 282, and halo pocket portion 290 constitutes n-typeempty-well main body-material portion 294 of IGFET 102. Precursor dottedline 296P is now dotted line 296 which demarcates the where the p-typedoping in main body-material portion 294 drops from moderate to light inmoving upward.

The portions of precursor regions 360EP and 366P outside p++ main sourceportion 360M of extended-drain p-channel IGFET 106 respectivelyconstitute its p+ source extension 360E and its n source-side halopocket portion 366. The portion of n precursor empty main well region186AP, now n-type empty-well body material 186A, outside halo pocketportion 366 constitutes n body-material portion 368 of IGFET 106. Theportion of p precursor empty main well region 186BP, now empty wellregion 186B, outside p++ external drain contact portion 374 constitutesn empty-well drain portion 376 of IGFET 106. Precursor dotted lines 372Pand 380P are now respective dotted lines 372 and 380 which respectivelydemarcate where the net dopings in body-material portion 368 and drainportion 376 drop from moderate to light in moving upward.

The portions of precursor regions 480EP, 482EP, 490E, and 492E outsidep++ main S/D portions 480M and 482M of symmetric p-channel IGFET 110respectively constitute its n+ S/D extensions 480E and 482E and its halopocket portions 490 and 492. The portions of n precursor body-materialportions 496P and 498P outside S/D zones 480 and 482 and halo pockets490 and 492 constitute p body-material portions 496 and 498 of IGFET110. The portion of n precursor filled main well region 190P outside S/Dzones 480 and 482 constitutes n-type filled main well region 190 formedwith n body-material portions 494, 496, and 498.

The portions of precursor regions 550EP and 552EP outside p++ main S/Dportions 550M and 552M of symmetric p-channel IGFET 114 respectivelyconstitute its n+ S/D extensions 550E and 552E. The portion of nprecursor empty main well region 194P outside S/D zones 550 and 552constitutes n-type body-material empty main well 194 of IGFET 114.Precursor dotted line 560P is now dotted line 560 which demarcates thelocation where the n-type doping in body-material empty main well 194drops from moderate to light in moving upward.

The portions of precursor regions 610EP and 612EP outside p++ main S/Dportions 610M and 612M of symmetric p-channel IGFET 118 respectivelyconstitute its p+ S/D extensions 610E and 612E. The portions of nprecursor body-material portions 622P and 624P outside S/D zones 610 and612 respectively constitute n body-material portions 622 and 624 ofIGFET 118. The portion of p precursor filled main well region 198Poutside S/D zones 610 and 612 constitutes n-type filled main well region198 formed with p body-material portions 620, 622, and 624.

The portions of the precursors to regions 680E, 682E, 690, and 692outside p++ main S/D portions 680M and 682M of symmetric p-channel IGFET122 respectively constitute its p+ S/D extensions 680E and 682E and itsn halo pocket portions 690 and 692. The portion of the n precursor tofurther body-material portion 696 outside S/D zones 680 and 682 and halopockets 690 and 692 constitutes n further body-material portion 696 ofIGFET 122. The portion of the n precursor to filled main well region 202outside S/D zones 680 and 682 constitutes n-type filled main well region202 formed with n body-material portions 694 and 696.

The portions of the precursors to regions 750E and 752E outside p++ mainS/D portions 750M and 752M of symmetric p-channel IGFET 126 respectivelysubstantially constitute its p+ S/D extensions 750E and 752E. Theportion of the n precursor to empty main well region 206 outside S/Dzones 750 and 752 constitutes n-type body-material empty main well 206of IGFET 126.

The p-type shallow S/D-extension implantation for precursor S/Dextensions 480EP and 482EP of p-channel IGFET 110 and precursor S/Dextensions 680EP and 682EP of p-channel IGFET 122 was performed at agreater dosage than the p-type deep S/D-extension implantation forprecursor drain extension 282EP of p-channel IGFET 102, precursor S/Dextensions 550EP and 552EP of p-channel IGFET 114, precursor S/Dextensions 610EP and 612EP of p-channel IGFET 118, and precursor S/Dextensions 750EP and 752EP of p-channel IGFET 126. More specifically,the dosage of 5×10¹³−5×10¹⁴ ions/cm², typically 1×10^(14−2×10) ¹⁴ions/cm², for the p-type shallow S/D-extension implantation is normallyin the vicinity of twice the dosage of 2×10¹³−2×10¹⁴ ions/cm², typically8×10¹³ ions/cm², for the p-type deep S/D-extension implantation. Drainextension 282E of IGFET 102, S/D extensions 550E and 552E of IGFET 114,S/D extensions 610E and 612E of IGFET 118, and S/D extensions 750E and752E of IGFET 126 are therefore all more lightly doped than S/Dextensions 480E and 482E of IGFET 110 and S/D extensions 680E and 682Eof IGFET 122.

The p-type shallow source-extension implantation for precursor sourceextension 280EP of p-channel IGFET 102 and precursor source extension360EP of p-channel IGFET 106 was performed at approximately the samedosage as the p-type deep S/D-extension implantation for precursor drainextension 282EP of IGFET 102, precursor S/D extensions 550EP and 552EPof p-channel IGFET 114, precursor S/D extensions 610EP and 612EP ofp-channel IGFET 118, and precursor S/D extensions 750EP and 752EP ofp-channel IGFET 126. In particular, the dosage of 2×10¹³−2×10¹⁴ions/cm², typically 8×10¹³ ions/cm², for the p-type shallowS/D-extension implantation is the same as the dosage of 2×10¹³−2×10¹⁴ions/cm², typically 8×10¹³ ions/cm², for the p-type deep S/D-extensionimplantation. However, source-side halo pockets portions 250 and 326 ofIGFETs 102 and 106 slow down diffusion of the p-type shallowsource-extension dopant whereas IGFETs 114, 118, and 126 and the drainside of IGFET 102 lack halo pocket portions for slowing down diffusionof the p-type shallow source-extension dopant. Since boron is both thep-type shallow source-extension dopant and the p-type deep S/D-extensiondopant, the net result is that drain extension 282E of IGFET 102, S/Dextensions 550E and 552E of IGFET 114, S/D extensions 610E and 612E ofIGFET 118, and S/D extensions 750E and 752E of IGFET 126 are all morelightly doped than source extension 280E of IGFET 102 and sourceextension 360E of IGFET 106.

As described below, the source-body and drain-body junctions of theillustrated p-channel IGFETs can be vertically graded to reduce thejunction capacitances by implanting p-type semiconductor dopant,referred to here as the p-type junction-grading dopant, through theopenings in photoresist mask 972 while it is in place. Either the p-typemain or junction-grading S/D implantation can be performed first. Ineither case, the further spike anneal also repairs lattice damage causedby the implanted p-type junction-grading S/D dopant and places the atomsof the p-type junction-grading S/D dopant in energetically more stablestates.

N6. Final Processing

The exposed parts of dielectric layers 962 and 964 are removed. Acapping layer (not shown) of dielectric material, typically siliconoxide, is formed on top of the structure. A final anneal, typically anRTA, is performed on the semiconductor structure to obtain the desiredfinal dopant distributions and repair any residual lattice damage.

Using (as necessary) a suitable photoresist mask (not shown), thecapping material is removed from selected areas of the structure. Inparticular, the capping material is removed from the areas above theislands for the illustrated IGFETs to expose their gate electrodes andto expose main source portions 240M and 280M of asymmetric IGFETs 100and 102, main drain portions 242M and 282M of IGFETs 100 and 102, mainsource portions 320M and 360M of extended-drain IGFETs 104 and 106,drain contact portions 334 and 374 of IGFETs 104 and 106, and the mainS/D portions of all the illustrated symmetric IGFETs. The cappingmaterial is typically retained over most of any portion of thegate-electrode polysilicon layer designated to be a polysilicon resistorso as to prevent metal silicide from being formed along the so-cappedpart of the polysilicon portion during the next operation. In the courseof removing the capping material, the gate sidewall spacers arepreferably converted to L shapes as described in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/382,977, cited above.

The metal silicide layers of the illustrated IGFETs are respectivelyformed along the upper surfaces of the underlying polysilicon andmonosilicon regions. This typically entails depositing a thin layer ofsuitable metal, typically cobalt, on the upper surface of the structureand performing a low-temperature step to react the metal with underlyingsilicon. The unreacted metal is removed. A second low-temperature stepis performed to complete the reaction of the metal with the underlyingsilicon and thereby form the metal silicide layers of the illustratedIGFETs.

The metal silicide formation completes the basic fabrication ofasymmetric IGFETs 100 and 102, extended-drain IGFETs 104 and 106, andthe illustrated symmetric IGFETs. The resultant CIGFET structure appearsas shown in FIG. 11. The CIGFET structure is subsequently provided withfurther electrically conductive material (nor shown), typically metal,which contacts the metal silicide layers to complete the electricalcontacts for the illustrated IGFETs.

N7. Significantly Tilted Implantation of P-Type DeepSource/Drain-Extension Dopant

The p-type deep S/D-extension ion implantation at the stage of FIG. 33 tcan, as mentioned above, alternatively be performed in a significantlytilted manner for adjusting the shape of precursor drain extension 282EPof asymmetric p-channel IGFET 102. Drain extension 282EP then normallyextends significantly laterally under precursor gate electrode 302P. Theshapes of precursor S/D extensions 550EP and 552EP of symmetricp-channel IGFET 114, precursor S/D extensions 610EP and 612EP ofsymmetric p-channel IGFET 118, and the precursors to S/D extensions 750Eand 752E of symmetric p-channel IGFET 126 are then adjusted in the sameway.

The tilt in this alternative can be sufficiently great that the p-typedeep S/D-extension implantation is an angled implantation. Tilt angle αfor the angled p-type S/D-extension implantation is then at least 15°,normally 20°-45°. The p-type deep S/D-extension implantation can also beperformed at significantly different implantation dosage and/or energythan the p-type shallow source-extension implantation.

Taking note that precursor source extension 280EP and precursor drainextension 282EP of asymmetric IGFET 102 are respectively defined withthe p-type shallow source-extension implant and the p-type deepS/D-extension implant, the implantation parameters (including the tiltand azimuthal parameters of the p-type deep S/D implant) of the stepsused to perform these two p-type implants can alternatively be chosensuch that the maximum concentration of the p-type deep S/D-extensiondopant in precursor drain extension 282EP is less than, normally no morethan one half of, preferably no more than one fourth of, more preferablyno more than one tenth of, even more preferably no more than onetwentieth of, the maximum concentration of the p-type shallowsource-extension dopant in precursor source extension 280EP. In otherwords, the maximum concentration of the p-type shallow source-extensiondopant in precursor source extension 280EP is significantly greaterthan, normally at least two times, preferably at least four times, morepreferably at least 10 times, even more preferably at least 20 times,the maximum concentration of the p-type deep S/D-extension dopant inprecursor drain extension 282E.

The energy and other implantation parameters of the p-type shallowsource-extension implant and the p-type deep S/D-extension implant,including the tilt and azimuthal parameters of the p-type deepS/D-extension implantation, can be controlled in this alternative sothat the location of the maximum concentration of the p-type deepS/D-extension dopant in precursor drain extension 282EP occurssignificantly deeper than the location of the maximum concentration ofthe p-type shallow source-extension dopant in precursor source extension280EP. More specifically, the location of the maximum concentration ofthe p-type deep S/D-extension dopant in precursor drain extension 282EPnormally occurs at least 10% deeper, preferably at least 20% deeper,more preferably at least 30% deeper, even more preferably at least 50%deeper, than the location of the maximum concentration of the p-typeshallow source-extension dopant in precursor source extension 280EP.Precursor drain extension 282EP then extends deeper, normally at least20% deeper, preferably at least 30% deeper, more preferably at least 50%deeper, even more preferably at least 100% deeper, than precursor sourceextension 280EP.

Values for implantation ranges R_(SE) and R_(DE) that respectively ariseduring the p-type shallow source-extension implant and the p-type deepS/D-extension implant are determined from Eqs. 6 and 7 by using y_(SEPK)and y_(DEPK) values which meet the above-described percentagedifferences between average depths y_(SEPK) and y_(DEPK) at thelocations of the maximum total n-type dopant concentrations inrespective S/D extensions 280E and 282E. The R_(SE) and R_(DE) rangevalues are then respectively used to determine suitable implantationenergies for the p-type shallow source-extension dopant and the p-typedeep S/D-extension dopant. If thin layers of the monosilicon along theupper surfaces of precursor S/D extensions 280EP and 282EP are laterremoved in respectively converting them into final S/D extensions 280Eand 282E, parameters Δy_(SE) and Δy_(DE) in Eqs. 6 and 7 accommodate therespective thicknesses of the thin monosilicon layers.

Value α_(SE) of tilt angle α for the p-type shallow source-extensionimplantation is still approximately equals 7°. Inasmuch as the p-typeshallow source-extension implant is thereby performed nearlyperpendicular to a plane extending generally parallel to the uppersemiconductor surface, precursor source extension 280EP of asymmetricIGFET 102 normally does not extend significantly laterally underprecursor gate electrode 302P. Because the angled implantation of thep-type deep S/D-extension dopant used to form precursor drain extension282EP causes it to extend significantly laterally under precursor gateelectrode 302P, precursor drain extension 282P extends significantlyfurther laterally under precursor gate electrode 302P than doesprecursor source extension 280EP. The amount by which precursor gateelectrode 302P overlaps precursor drain extension 282EP thussignificantly exceeds the amount by which precursor gate electrode 302Poverlaps precursor source extension 280EP. The overlap of precursor gateelectrode 302P on precursor drain extension 282EP is normally at least10% greater, preferably at least 15% greater, more preferably at least20% greater, than the overlap of precursor gate electrode 302P onprecursor source extension 280EP.

N8. Implantation of Different Dopants in Source/Drain Extensions ofAsymmetric IGFETs

The parameters of the angled n-type deep S/D-extension implantation andthe n-type shallow source-extension implantation used respectively atthe stages of FIGS. 33 o and 33 p to define precursor drain extension242EP and precursor source extension 240EP of asymmetric n-channel IGFET100 are, as mentioned above, chosen such that:

a. The maximum concentration of the n-type S/D-extension dopant inprecursor drain extension 242EP is less than, normally no more than onehalf of, preferably no more than one fourth of, more preferably no morethan one tenth of, even more preferably no more than one twentieth of,the maximum concentration of the n-type shallow source-extension dopantin precursor source extension 240EP;

b. The location of the maximum concentration of the n-type deepS/D-extension dopant in precursor drain extension 242EP normally occursat least 10% deeper, preferably at least 20% deeper, more preferably atleast 30% deeper, than the location of the maximum concentration of then-type shallow source-extension dopant in precursor source extension240EP;

c. Precursor drain extension 242EP extends deeper, normally at least 20%deeper, preferably at least 30% deeper, more preferably at least 50%deeper, even more preferably at least 100% deeper, than precursor sourceextension 240EP; and

e. The overlap of precursor gate electrode 262P on precursor drainextension 242EP is greater, normally at least 10% greater, preferably atleast 15% greater, more preferably at least 20% greater, than theoverlap of precursor gate electrode 262P on precursor source extension240EP.

The preceding specifications for IGFET 100 can be achieved when then-type shallow source-extension implantation is performed with the samen-type dopant, the same dopant-containing particle species, and the sameparticle ionization charge state as the n-type deep S/D-extensionimplantation. Nevertheless, achievement of these specifications isfacilitated by arranging for the n-type shallow source-extension dopantto be of higher atomic weight than the n-type deep S/D-extension dopant.As also indicated above, the n-type deep S/D-extension dopant isnormally one Group 5a element, preferably phosphorus, while the n-typeshallow S/D-extension dopant is another Group 5a element, preferablyarsenic, of higher atomic weight than the n-type deep S/D-extensiondopant. The Group 5a element antimony, which is of greater atomic weightthat arsenic and phosphorus, is another candidate for the n-type shallowsource-extension dopant. The corresponding candidate for the n-type deepS/D-extension dopant is then arsenic or phosphorus.

The final dopant distributions for IGFET 102 are achieved when thep-type shallow source-extension implantation is performed with the samep-type dopant, namely boron, as the p-type deep S/D-extensionimplantation. While boron is the strongly dominant p-type dopant incurrent silicon-based semiconductor processes, other p-type dopants havebeen investigated for silicon-based semiconductor process. Achievementof the final dopant distributions for IGFET 102 can be facilitated byarranging for the p-type shallow source-extension dopant to be of higheratomic weight than the p-type deep S/D-extension dopant. As alsoindicated above, the p-type deep S/D-extension dopant can then be oneGroup 3a element, preferably boron, while the p-type shallowS/D-extension dopant is another Group 3a element, e.g., gallium orindium, of higher atomic weight than the Group 3a element used as thep-type deep S/D-extension dopant.

The parameters of the p-type shallow source-extension implantation usedat the stage of FIG. 33 u to define precursor source extension 280EP ofasymmetric p-channel IGFET 102 and the parameters of the angled p-typedeep S/D-extension implantation used at the earlier stage of FIG. 33 uto define precursor drain extension 282EP in the above-describedvariation of the fabrication process of FIG. 33 are, as mentioned above,similarly variously chosen such that:

a. The maximum concentration of the p-type S/D-extension dopant inprecursor drain extension 282EP is less than, normally no more than onehalf of, preferably no more than one fourth of, more preferably no morethan one tenth of, even more preferably no more than one twentieth of,the maximum concentration of the p-type shallow source-extension dopantin precursor source extension 280EP;

b. The location of the maximum concentration of the p-type deepS/D-extension dopant in precursor drain extension 282EP normally occursat least 10% deeper, preferably at least 20% deeper, more preferably atleast 30% deeper, even more preferably at least 50% deeper, than thelocation of the maximum concentration of the p-type shallowsource-extension dopant in precursor source extension 280EP;

c. Drain extension 282E extends deeper, normally at least 20% deeper,preferably at least 30% deeper, more preferably at least 50% deeper,even more preferably at least 100% deeper, than precursor sourceextension 280EP; and

d. The overlap of precursor gate electrode 302P on precursor drainextension 282EP is greater, normally at least 10% greater, preferably atleast 15% greater, more preferably at least 20% greater, than theoverlap of precursor gate electrode 302P on precursor source extension280EP.

Achievement of the preceding specifications can be facilitated byarranging for the p-type shallow source-extension dopant to be of higheratomic weight than the p-type deep S/D-extension dopant. Once again, thep-type deep S/D-extension dopant can be one Group 3a element while thep-type shallow S/D-extension dopant is another Group 3a element.

N9. Formation of Asymmetric IGFETs with Specially Tailored Halo PocketPortions

Asymmetric n-channel IGFET 100U and extended-drain n-channel IGFET 104Uwith the dopant distributions in respective p halo pocket portions 250Uand 326U specially tailored to reduce off-state source-to-drain currentare fabricated according to the process of FIG. 33 in the same way asasymmetric n-channel IGFET 100 and extended-drain n-channel IGFET 104except that the n-type shallow source-extension implant at the stage ofFIG. 33 p and the p-type source halo pocket ion implant at the stage ofFIG. 33 q are performed in the following manner for providing IGFET 100Uwith the M halo-dopant maximum-concentration locations PH and forproviding IGFET 104U with the respectively corresponding M halo-dopantmaximum-concentration locations depending on whether IGFETs 100U and104U respectively replace IGFETs 100 and 104 or whether IGFETs 100 and104 are also fabricated.

If IGFETs 100U and 104U replace IGFETs 100 and 104, the n-type shallowsource-extension implant at the stage of FIG. 33 p is performed asdescribed above using critical photoresist mask 954. With photoresist954 still in place, the p-type source halo dopant is ion implanted in asignificantly angled manner through the openings in photoresist 954,through the uncovered sections of surface dielectric layer 948, and intovertically corresponding portions of the underlying monosilicon at aplural number M of different dopant-introduction conditions to define(a) a p precursor to halo pocket portion 250U of asymmetric IGFET 100Uand (b) a p precursor to halo pocket portion 326U of extended-drainIGFET 104U. Photoresist 954 is subsequently removed.

If all of IGFETs 100, 100U, 104, and 104U are to be fabricated (or ifany combination of one or both of IGFETs 100 and 104 and one or both ofIGFETs 100U or 104U is to be fabricated), n shallow precursor sourceextensions 240EP and 320EP of IGFETs 100 and 104 are defined usingphotoresist mask 954 in the manner described above in connection withFIG. 33 p. P precursor halo pocket portions 250P and 326P of IGFETs 100and 104 are subsequently defined using photoresist 954 as described inconnection with FIG. 33 q.

An additional photoresist mask (not shown) having openings above thelocation for source extension 240E of asymmetric IGFET 100U and abovethe location for source extension 320E of extended-drain IGFET 104U isformed on dielectric layers 946 and 948. The additional photoresist maskis critically aligned to precursor gate electrodes 262P and 346P ofIGFETs 100U and 104U. A repetition of the n-type shallowsource-extension implantation is performed to ion implant the n-typeshallow source-extension dopant at a high dosage through the openings inthe additional photoresist, through the uncovered sections of surfacedielectric 948, and into vertically corresponding portions of theunderlying monosilicon to define (a) n+ precursor source extension 240EPof IGFET 100U and (b) n+ precursor source extension 320EP of IGFET 104P.

With the additional photoresist mask still in place, the p-type sourcehalo dopant is ion implanted in a significantly angled manner throughthe openings in the additional photoresist, through the uncoveredsections of surface dielectric layer 948, and into verticallycorresponding portions of the underlying monosilicon at a plural numberM of different dopant-introduction conditions to define (a) a pprecursor to halo pocket portion 250U of asymmetric IGFET 100U and (b) ap precursor to halo pocket portion 326U of extended-drain IGFET 104U.The additional photoresist is removed. The steps involving theadditional photoresist can be performed before or after the stepsinvolving photoresist 954.

The M halo-dopant maximum-concentration locations PH of IGFET 100U andthe respectively corresponding M halo-dopant maximum-concentrationlocations of IGFET 104U are respectively defined by the Mdopant-introduction conditions in both of the foregoing ways forperforming the p-type source halo implantation. At the end of the p-typesource halo implantation, each halo-dopant maximum-concentrationlocation PHj of IGFET 100U extends laterally under its gate electrode262. Each corresponding halo-dopant maximum-concentration location ofIGFET 104U similarly extends laterally under its gate electrode 346.

The implanted p-type source halo dopant diffuses further laterally andvertically into the semiconductor body during subsequent CIGFETprocessing at elevated temperature to convert the precursors of halopocket portions 250U and 326U respectively into p halo pockets 250U and326U. As a result, halo-dopant maximum-concentration locations PH ofIGFET 100U are extended further laterally under gate electrode 262. Thecorresponding halo-dopant maximum-concentration locations of IGFET 104Uare likewise extended further laterally under gate electrode 346.

Each of the M dopant-introduction conditions in both of the precedingways for performing the p-type source halo implantation for IGFETs 100Uand 104U is a different combination of the implantation energy,implantation tilt angle α_(SH), the implantation dosage, the atomicspecies of the p-type source halo dopant, the dopant-containing particlespecies of the p-type source halo dopant, and the particle ionizationcharge state of the dopant-containing particle species of the p-typesource halo dopant. In correlating the M dopant-introduction conditionsto the M numbered p-type source halo dopants described above inconnection with FIGS. 19 a, 20, and 21, each of the Mdopant-introduction conditions is performed with a corresponding one ofthe M numbered p-type source halo dopants. Tilt angle α_(SH) is normallyat least 15° at each dopant-introduction condition.

The p-type source halo implantation at the M dopant-introductionconditions is typically performed as M timewise-separate ionimplantations. However, the p-type source halo implantation at the Mdopant-introduction conditions can be performed as a singletimewise-continuous operation by appropriately changing the implantationconditions during the operation. The p-type source halo implantation atthe M dopant-introduction conditions can also be performed as acombination of timewise-separate operations, at least one of which isperformed timewise continuously at two or more of the Mdopant-introduction conditions.

The atomic species of the p-type source halo dopant is preferably theGroup 3a element boron at each of the dopant-introduction conditions.That is, the atomic species of each of the M numbered p-type source halodopants is preferably boron. However, other p-type Group 3a atomicspecies such as gallium and indium can variously be used as the Mnumbered p-type source halo dopants.

The dopant-containing particle species of the p-type source halo dopantcan vary from dopant-introduction condition to dopant-introductioncondition even though the atomic species of all the M numbered p-typesource halo dopants is boron. More particularly, elemental boron andboron-containing compounds such as boron difluoride can variously be thedopant-containing particle species at the M dopant-introductionconditions.

The specific parameters of an implementation of the Mdopant-introduction conditions are typically determined in basically thefollowing way. The general characteristics of a desired distribution ofthe p-type source halo dopant in p halo pocket portions 250U and 326Uare first established at one or more selected vertical locations throughIGFETs 100U and 104U. As noted above, the p-type source halo dopant isalso present in n-type sources 240 and 320 of IGFETs 100U and 104U. Sucha selected vertical location through IGFET 100U or 104U may thus passthrough its n-type source 240 or 320, e.g., along vertical line 274Ethrough source extension 240E of IGFET 100U in FIG. 19 a. Inasmuch ashalo pockets 250U and 326U are formed with the same steps and thereforehave similar p-type source halo dopant distributions, the generalhalo-pocket dopant-distribution characteristics are normally establishedfor only one of IGFETs 100U and 104U.

The general halo-pocket dopant-distribution characteristics typicallyinclude numerical values for (a) the number M of differentdopant-introduction conditions, (b) the depths of the corresponding Mlocal maxima in total concentration N_(T) of the p-type source halodopant, and (c) total concentrations N_(T) of the p-type source halodopant at those M local concentration maxima. The depths of the M localmaxima in total concentration N_(T) of the p-type source halo dopant areemployed in determining values of the implantation energy for the Mrespective dopant-introduction conditions.

For instance, the depth and concentration values can be (a) atdopant-concentration peaks 316 in FIG. 20 a and thus along vertical line314 extending through halo pocket portion 250U to the side of sourceextension 240E or (b) at dopant-concentration peaks 318 in FIG. 21 a andtherefore along vertical line 274E extending through source extension240 and through the underlying material of halo pocket 250U. Thedopant-concentration values at peaks 318 along line 274E through sourceextension 240E are somewhat less than the respective initial p-typesource halo dopant-concentration values at peaks 318 due topost-implantation thermal diffusion of the p-type source halo dopant.However, the post-implantation thermal diffusion does not significantlyalter the depths of peaks 318 because line 274E also extends through thesource side of gate electrode 262.

On the other hand, both the depths and dopant concentration values ofpeaks 316 along vertical line 314 through halo pocket portion 250U tothe side of source extension 240E change during the post-implantationthermal diffusion as a result of the movement of halo-dopantmaximum-concentration locations PH further below gate electrode 262.Depth/concentration data at peaks 316 along line 314 can be correlatedto depth/concentration data at peaks 318 along line 274E through sourceextension 240E and the source side of gate electrode 262 for use indetermining values of the implantation energy for the Mdopant-introduction conditions. However, this correlation is timeconsuming. Accordingly, the depths of the corresponding M local maximain total concentration N_(T) of the p-type source halo dopant and totalconcentrations N_(T) of the p-type source halo dopant at those M localconcentration maxima are typically the as-implanted values along line274E through the source side of gate electrode 262. Using theseas-implanted values is typically easier and does not significantlyaffect the final determination of the effectiveness of theimplementation of the M dopant-introduction conditions.

Selections consistent with the general halo-pocket dopant-distributioncharacteristics established for the implementation of the Mdopant-introduction conditions are made for implantation tilt angleα_(SH), the implantation dosage, the atomic species of the p-type sourcehalo dopant, the dopant-containing particle species of the p-type sourcehalo dopant, and the particle ionization charge state of thedopant-containing particle species of the p-type source halo dopant.Using this information, appropriate implantation energies are determinedfor the M dopant-introduction conditions.

More particularly, a thin layer of the monosilicon along the uppersurface of the region intended to be the precursor to each halo pocketportion 250U or 326U may be removed subsequent to the formation of gatedielectric layer 260 or 344 but prior to ion implantation of the p-typesource halo dopant. Again noting that each average depth of a locationin a doped monosilicon region of an IGFET is measured from a planeextending generally through the bottom of the IGFET's gate dielectriclayer, let Δy_(SH) represent the average thickness of any monosilicon soremoved along the top of a precursor halo pocket portion such as theprecursor to halo pocket 250U or 326U.

For a precursor halo pocket portion, such as the precursor to halopocket portion 250U or 326U, defined by ion implantation through asurface dielectric layer such as surface dielectric 948, let t_(Sd)again represent the average thickness of the surface dielectric. Therange R_(SHj) of the jth source halo dopant ion implanted to define thejth local concentration maximum in the precursor source halo pocket atan average depth y_(SHj) is then given approximately by:R _(SHj)=(y _(SHj) −Δy _(SH) +t _(Sd))sec α_(SHj)  (8)where α_(SHj) is the jth value of tilt angle α_(SHj). Alternativelydescribed, α_(SHj) is the tilt angle used in ion implanting the jthnumbered source halo dopant that defines the jth source halo dopantlocal concentration maxima in the precursor source halo pocket. Sincetilt angle value α_(SH) is at least 15° for precursor halo pocket 250Uor 326U, the sec α_(SHj) factor in Eq. 8 is significantly greaterthan 1. A value for implantation range R_(SHj) is determined from Eq. 8at each value of depth y_(SHj) of the jth p-type source halo localconcentration maxima. The R_(SHj) range values are then respectivelyused to determine suitable implantation energies for the M numberedp-type source halo dopants.

The values of the maximum source halo dopant concentrations at peaks 318along line 274E through source extension 240E and the source side ofgate electrode 262 are one-quadrant values because the dopant-blockingshield formed by photoresist mask 954, precursor gate electrodes 262Pand 346P of IGFETs 100U and 104U, and sealing dielectric layer 946blocks approximately three fourths of the impinging ions of the p-typesource halo dopant from entering the regions intended for the precursorsto halo pocket portions 250U and 326U. For ion implanting the p-typesource halo dopant at four 90° incremental values of the azimuthalangle, the source halo dopant dosage corresponding to the individualconcentration of the jth peak 318 in FIG. 21 a is multiplied by four toget the total dosage for the jth p-type numbered source halo dopant.

The straggle ΔR_(SHj) is the standard deviation in range R_(SHj).Straggle ΔR_(SHj) increases with increasing range R_(SHj) which, inaccordance with Eq. 8, increases with increasing average depth y_(SHj)of the jth p-type source halo dopant ion implanted to define the jthlocal concentration maximum in halo region 250U. To accommodate theresultant increase in straggle ΔR_(SHj) increases with increasingaverage depth y_(SHj), the implantation dosages for the Mdopant-introduction conditions are normally chosen so as to increaseprogressively in going from the dopant-introduction condition for lowestaverage depth y_(SH1) at shallowest halo-dopant maximum-concentrationlocation PH-1 to the dopant-introduction condition for highest averagedepth y_(SHM) at the deepest halo-dopant maximum-concentration locationPH-M.

In one implementation of the M dopant-introduction conditions for thep-type source halo implantation, the implantation energy is varied whileimplantation tilt angle α_(SE), the atomic species of the p-type sourcehalo dopant, the dopant-containing particle species of the p-type sourcehalo dopant, and the particle ionization charge state of thedopant-containing particle species of the p-type source halo dopant aremaintained constant. The atomic species in this implementation is boronin the dopant-containing particle species of elemental boron. Takingnote that the particle ionization charge state of the dopant-containingparticle species of an ion-implanted semiconductor dopant means itsionization level, the ion-implanted boron is largely singly ionized inthis implementation so that the boron particle charge state is singleionization. The implantation dosages for the M dopant-introductionconditions were chosen so as to increase progressively in going from theimplantation for lowest average depth y_(SH1) at shallowest halo-dopantmaximum-concentration location PH-1 to the implantation for highestaverage depth y_(SHM) at the deepest halo-dopant maximum-concentrationlocation PH-M.

Two examples of the preceding implementation were simulated. In one ofthe examples, the number M of dopant-introduction conditions was 3. Thethree implantation energies respectively were 2, 6, and 20 keV. Depthsy_(SHj) of the three as-implanted local concentration maxima in theboron source halo dopant at the three implantation energies respectivelywere 0.010, 0.028, and 0.056 μm. Concentration N_(I) the boron sourcehalo dopant at each of the three as-implanted local concentration maximawas approximately 8×10¹⁷ atoms/cm³.

The number M of dopant-introduction conditions in the other example ofthe preceding implementation was 4. The four implantation energiesrespectively were 0.5, 2, 6, and 20 keV. Depths y_(SHj) of the fouras-implanted local concentration maxima in the boron source halo dopantat the three implantation energies respectively were 0.003, 0.010,0.028, and 0.056 μm. Concentration N_(I) the boron source halo dopant ateach of the three as-implanted local concentration maxima wasapproximately 9×10¹⁷ atoms/cm³. In comparison to the first example, theimplantation at the lowest energy significantly flattened concentrationN_(T) of the total p-type dopant very close to the upper semiconductorsurface.

As an alternative to performing the p-type source halo implantation at Mdifferent dopant-introductions, the p-type source halo implantation canbe performed by continuously varying one or more of the implantationenergy, implantation tilt angle α_(SH), the implantation dosage, theatomic species of the p-type source halo dopant, the dopant-containingparticle species of the p-type source halo dopant, and the particleionization charge state of the dopant-containing particle species of thep-type source halo dopant. Appropriately selecting the continuousvariation of these six ion implantation parameters results in the secondhalo-pocket vertical profile described above in which concentrationN_(T) of the total p-type dopant varies by a factor of no more than 2,preferably by a factor of no more than 1.5, more preferably by a factorof no more than 1.25, in moving from the upper semiconductor surface toa depth y of at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, of depth y of halopocket 250U or 326U of IGFET 100U or 104U along an imaginary verticalline extending through pocket 250U or 326U to the side of sourceextension 240E or 280E, such as vertical line 314 for IGFET 100U,without necessarily reaching multiple local maxima along the portion ofthat vertical line in pocket 250U or 326U.

Moving to asymmetric p-channel IGFET 102U and extended-drain p-channelIGFET 106U, IGFETs 102U and 104U with the dopant distributions inrespective n halo pocket portions 290U and 366U specially tailored toreduce off-state S/D current leakage are manufactured according to theprocess of FIG. 33 in the same way as p-channel IGFET 102 and p-channelIGFET 106 except that the n-type shallow source-extension implant at thestage of FIG. 33 u and the n-type source halo pocket ion implantation atthe stage of FIG. 33 v are performed in the following way for providingIGFET 102U with the M halo-dopant maximum-concentration locations NH andfor providing IGFET 106U with the respectively corresponding Mhalo-dopant maximum-concentration locations depending on whether IGFETs102U and 106U respectively replace IGFETs 102 and 106 or whether IGFETs102 and 106 are also manufactured.

If IGFETs 102U and 106U replace IGFETs 102 and 106, the p-type shallowsource-extension implant at the stage of FIG. 33 u is performed asdescribed above using critical photoresist mask 960. With photoresist960 still in place, the n-type source halo dopant is ion implanted in asignificantly angled manner through the openings in photoresist 960,through the uncovered sections of surface dielectric layer 948, and intovertically corresponding portions of the underlying monosilicon at aplural number M of different dopant-introduction conditions to define(a) an n precursor to halo pocket portion 290U of asymmetric IGFET 102Uand (b) an n precursor to halo pocket portion 366U of extended-drainIGFET 106U. Photoresist 960 is subsequently removed.

If all of IGFETs 102, 102U, 106, and 106U are to be manufactured (or ifany combination of one or both of IGFETs 102 and 106 and one or both ofIGFETs 102U or 102U is to be manufactured), p shallow precursor sourceextensions 280EP and 360EP of IGFETs 102 and 106 are defined usingphotoresist mask 960 in the manner described above in connection withFIG. 33 u. N precursor halo pocket portions 290P and 366P of IGFETs 102and 106 are subsequently defined using photoresist 960 as described inconnection with FIG. 33 v.

A further photoresist mask (not shown) having openings above thelocation for source extension 280E of asymmetric IGFET 102U and abovethe location for source extension 320E of extended-drain IGFET 106U isformed on dielectric layers 946 and 948. The further photoresist mask iscritically aligned to precursor gate electrodes 302P and 386P of IGFETs102U and 106U. A repetition of the p-type shallow source-extensionimplantation is performed to ion implant the p-type shallowsource-extension dopant at a high dosage through the openings in thefurther photoresist, through the uncovered sections of surfacedielectric 948, and into vertically corresponding portions of theunderlying monosilicon to define (a) p+ precursor source extension 280EPof IGFET 102U and (b) p+ precursor source extension 360EP of IGFET 106P.

With the further photoresist mask still in place, the n-type source halodopant is ion implanted in a significantly angled manner through theopenings in the further photoresist, through the uncovered sections ofsurface dielectric layer 948, and into vertically corresponding portionsof the underlying monosilicon at a plural number M of differentdopant-introduction conditions to define (a) an n precursor to halopocket portion 290U of asymmetric IGFET 102U and (b) an n precursor tohalo pocket portion 366U of extended-drain IGFET 106U. The furtherphotoresist is removed. The steps involving the further photoresist canbe performed before or after the steps involving photoresist 960.

The M halo-dopant maximum-concentration locations NH of IGFET 102U andthe respectively corresponding M halo-dopant maximum-concentrationlocations of IGFET 106U are respectively defined by the Mdopant-introduction conditions in both of the preceding ways forperforming the n-type source halo implantation. At the end of the n-typesource halo implantation, each halo-dopant maximum-concentrationlocation NHj of IGFET 102U extends laterally under its gate electrode302. Each corresponding halo-dopant maximum-concentration location ofIGFET 106U similarly extends laterally under its gate electrode 386.

The implanted n-type source halo dopant diffuses further laterally andvertically into the semiconductor body during subsequent CIGFET thermalprocessing to convert the n precursors to halo pocket portions 290U and366U respectively into n halo pockets 290U and 366U. As a result,halo-dopant maximum-concentration locations NH of IGFET 102U areextended further laterally under gate electrode 302. The correspondinghalo-dopant maximum-concentration locations of IGFET 106U are likewiseextended further laterally under gate electrode 386.

Except as described below, the M dopant-introduction conditions in bothof the preceding ways for performing the n-type source halo implantationfor IGFETs 102U and 106U are the same as the M dopant-introductionconditions for performing the p-type source halo implantation for IGFETs100U and 104U with the conductivity type reversed.

The atomic species of the n-type source halo dopant is preferably theGroup 5a element arsenic at each of the dopant-introduction conditions.In other words, the atomic species of each of the M numbered p-typesource halo dopants is preferably arsenic. Other p-type Group 3a atomicspecies such as phosphorus and antimony can variously be used as the Mnumbered n-type source halo dopants.

The dopant-containing particle species of the n-type source halo dopantis normally the same from dopant-introduction condition todopant-introduction condition when the atomic species of all the Mnumbered p-type source halo dopants is arsenic. In particular, elementalarsenic is normally the dopant-containing particle species at the Mdopant-introduction conditions. If phosphorus or antimony is used as anyof the M numbered n-type source halo dopants, elemental phosphorus orelemental antimony is the corresponding dopant-containing particlespecies.

The specific parameters of an implementation of the Mdopant-introduction conditions for the n-type source halo dopant aredetermined in the same way as the M dopant-introduction conditions forthe p-type source halo dopant.

In one implementation of the M dopant introduction conditions for then-type source halo implantation, the implantation energy is varied whileimplantation tilt angle α_(SE), the atomic species of the n-type sourcehalo dopant, the dopant-containing particle species of the n-type sourcehalo dopant, and the particle ionization charge state of thedopant-containing particle species of the n-type source halo dopant aremaintained constant. The atomic species in this implementation isarsenic in the dopant-containing particle species of elemental arsenic.The ion-implanted arsenic is largely singly ionized in thisimplementation so that the arsenic particle ionization charge state issingle ionization. The implantation dosages for the Mdopant-introduction conditions were chosen so as to increaseprogressively in going from the implantation for lowest average depthy_(SH1) at shallowest halo-dopant maximum-concentration location NH-1 tothe implantation for highest average depth y_(SHM) at the deepesthalo-dopant maximum-concentration location NH-M.

Two examples of the foregoing implementation of the Mdopant-introduction conditions for the n-type source halo implantationwere simulated. In one of the examples, the number M ofdopant-introduction conditions was 3. The three implantation energiesrespectively were 7, 34, and 125 keV. Depths y_(SHj) of the threeas-implanted local concentration maxima in the arsenic source halodopant at the three implantation energies respectively were 0.010,0.022, and 0.062 μm. Concentration N_(I) the boron source halo dopant ateach of the three as-implanted local concentration maxima wasapproximately 1.4×10¹⁸ atoms/cm³.

The number M of dopant-introduction conditions in the second example ofthe preceding implementation was 4. The four implantation energiesrespectively were 0.5, 10, 40, and 125 keV. Depths y_(SHj) of the fouras-implanted local concentration maxima in the boron source halo dopantat the three implantation energies respectively were 0.002, 0.009,0.025, and 0.062 μM. Concentration N_(I) the boron source halo dopant ateach of the three as-implanted local concentration maxima wasapproximately 1.4×10¹⁸ atoms/cm³. Compared to the first example, theimplantation at the lowest energy significantly flattened concentrationN_(T) of the total n-type dopant very close to the upper semiconductorsurface.

Similar to what is said above about the p-type source halo implantation,the n-type source halo implantation can alternatively be performed bycontinuously varying one or more of the implantation energy,implantation tilt angle α_(SH), the implantation dosage, the atomicspecies of the n-type source halo dopant, the dopant-containing particlespecies of the n-type source halo dopant, and the particle ionizationcharge state of the dopant-containing particle species of the n-typesource halo dopant. Appropriately selecting the continuous variation ofthese six ion implantation parameters results in the second halo-pocketvertical profile described above in which concentration N_(T) of thetotal n-type dopant varies by a factor of no more than 2.5, preferablyby a factor of no more than no more than 2, more preferably by a factorof no more than 1.5, even more preferably by a factor of no more than1.25, in moving from the upper semiconductor surface to a depth y of atleast 50%, preferably at least 60%, of depth y of halo pocket 290U or366U of IGFET 102U or 106U along an imaginary vertical line extendingthrough pocket 290U or 366U to the side of source extension 280E or 320Ewithout necessarily reaching multiple local maxima along the portion ofthat vertical line in pocket 290U or 366U.

With current ion implantation equipment, it is difficult to change theatomic species of a semiconductor dopant being ion implanted, thedopant-containing particle species, and the particle ionization chargestate of the dopant-containing particle species without interrupting theion implantation operation. To obtain a rapid throughput, both thisalternative and the corresponding alternative for the p-type source haloimplantation are therefore normally implemented by continuously varyingone or more of the implantation energy, implantation tilt angle α_(SH),and the implantation dosage without interrupting, or otherwisesignificantly stopping, the implantation. The implantation dosage isnormally increased as the implantation energy is increased, and viceversa. Nonetheless, one or more of the implantation energy, implantationtilt angle α_(SH), and the implantation dosage can be continuouslyvaried even though the implantation operation is temporarily interruptedto change one or more of (a) the atomic species of the semiconductordopant being ion implanted, (b) the dopant-containing particle species,and (c) the particle ionization charge state of the dopant-containingparticle species.

In addition, each source halo implantation can consist of a selectedarrangement of one or more fixed-condition dopant introductionoperations and one or more continuously varying dopant-introductionoperations. Each fixed-condition dopant-introduction operation isperformed at a selected combination of implantation energy, implantationtilt angle α_(SH), implantation dosage, atomic species of the sourcehalo dopant, dopant-containing particle species of the source halodopant, and particle ionization charge state of the dopant-containingparticle species of the source halo dopant. These six ion-implantationparameters are substantially fixed during each fixed-conditiondopant-introduction operation and are normally different from thecombination of these parameters for any other fixed-conditiondopant-introduction operation.

Each continuously varying dopant-introduction operation is performed bycontinuously varying one or more of the implantation energy,implantation tilt angle α_(SH), the implantation dosage, the atomicspecies of the n-type source halo dopant, the dopant-containing particlespecies of the n-type source halo dopant, and the particle ionizationcharge state of the dopant-containing particle species of the n-typesource halo dopant. To obtain a rapid throughput, each continuouslyvarying dopant-introduction operation is performed by continuouslyvarying one or more of the implantation energy, implantation tilt angleα_(SH), and the implantation dosage without interrupting, or otherwisesignificantly stopping, the operation. The implantation dosage is againnormally increased as the implantation energy is increased, and viceversa.

O. Vertically Graded Source-Body and Drain-Body Junctions

Vertical grading of a source-body or drain-body pn junction of an IGFETgenerally refers to reducing the net dopant concentration gradient incrossing the junction along a vertical line that passes through the mostheavily doped material of the source or drain. As indicated above, thesource-body and drain-body junctions of the IGFETs in the CIGFETstructure of FIG. 11 can be vertically graded in this way. The reducedjunction vertical dopant concentration gradient reduces the parasiticcapacitance along the drain-body junctions, thereby enabling theillustrated IGFETs to switch faster.

FIGS. 34.1-34.3 (collectively “FIG. 34”) illustrate three portions of aCIGFET semiconductor structure, configured according to the invention,in which variations 100V, 102V, 104V, 106V, 108V, and 110V of respectiveasymmetric complementary IGFETs 100 and 102, extended-draincomplementary IGFETs 104 and 106, and symmetric low-leakagecomplementary IGFETs 108 and 110 are provided with vertically gradedsource-body and drain-body junctions. As explained further below, onlysource-body junction 324 or 364 of extended-drain IGFET 104V or 106V isvertically graded. Both source-body junction 246 or 286 and drain-bodyjunction 248 or 288 of asymmetric IGFET 100V or 102V are verticallygraded. Both of S/D-body junctions 446 and 448 or 486 and 488 and ofsymmetric IGFET 108V or 110V are vertically graded.

Aside from the junction grading, IGFETs 100V, 102V, 104V, 106V, 108V,and 110V in FIG. 34 are respectively substantially identical to IGFETs100, 102, 104, 106, 108, and 110 in FIG. 11. Each IGFET 100V, 102V,104V, 106V, 108V, or 110 y therefore includes all the components ofcorresponding IGFET 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, or 110 subject tomodification of the S/D zones to include the vertical junction grading.

Asymmetric IGFETs 100V and 102V appear in FIG. 34.1 corresponding toFIG. 11.1. The vertical junction grading for n-channel IGFET 100V isachieved with a heavily doped n-type lower source portion 240L and aheavily doped n-type lower drain portion 242L which respectivelyunderlie, and are respectively vertically continuous with, main sourceportion 240M and main drain portion 242M. Although heavily doped, n+lower source portion 240L and n+ lower drain portion 242L arerespectively more lightly doped than n++ main source portion 240M andn++ main drain portion 242M. The lighter n-type doping of n+ lowersource portion 240L compared to n++ main source portion 240M causes thevertical dopant concentration gradient across the portion of source-bodyjunction 246 extending along lower source portion 240L to be reduced.

As in the example of FIGS. 11.1 and 12, n+ drain extension 242E extendsunder n++ main drain portion 242M in the example of FIG. 34.1. N+ lowerdrain portion 242L preferably extends under drain extension 242E. Thatis, lower drain portion 242L preferably extends deeper than drainextension 242E as illustrated in the example of FIG. 34.1. The lightern-type doping of n+ lower drain portion 242L compared to n++ main drainportion 242M then causes the vertical dopant concentration gradientacross the portion of drain-body junction 248 extending along lowerdrain portion 242L to be reduced. While still extending deeper than maindrain portion 242M, lower drain portion 242L can alternatively extendshallower than drain extension 242E. In that case, drain extension 242Eassists lower drain portion 242L in reducing the vertical dopantconcentration gradient across the underlying portion of drain-bodyjunction 248.

For an IGFET whose source contains a main portion and an underlying morelightly doped lower portion so as to achieve a vertically gradedsource-body pn junction and whose drain contains a main portion and anunderlying more lightly doped lower portion so as to achieve avertically graded drain-body pn junction, let y_(SL) and y_(DL)respectively represent the maximum depths of the lower source portionand the lower drain portion. Source depth y_(S) of IGFET 100V thenequals its lower source portion depth y_(SL). In the preferred exampleof FIG. 34.1 where lower source portion 242L extends deeper than drainextension 242E, drain depth y_(D) of IGFET 100V equals its lower drainportion depth y_(DL).

Taking note that source depth y_(S) of IGFET 100 is normally 0.08-0.20μm, typically 0.14 μm, source depth y_(S) of IGFET 100V is normally0.15-0.25 μm, typically 0.20 μm. Lower source portion 240L thus causessource depth y_(S) to be increased considerably. Similarly taking notethat drain depth y_(D) of IGFET 100 is normally 0.10-0.22 μm, typically0.16 μm, drain depth y_(D) of IGFET 100V is also normally 0.15-0.25 μm,typically 0.20 μm. Consequently, lower drain portion 242L causes sourcedepth y_(D) to be increased considerably although somewhat less than theincrease in source depth y_(S). In the preferred example of FIG. 34.1,source depth y_(S) and drain depth y_(D) are nearly the same for IGFET102V.

Lower source portion 240L and lower drain portion 242L of IGFET 100V areboth defined with the n-type junction-grading S/D dopant. Anunderstanding of how the n-type junction-grading dopant reduces thevertical dopant concentration gradients across source-body junction 246and drain-body junction 248 of asymmetric IGFET 100 is facilitated withthe assistance of FIGS. 35 a, 35 b, and 35 c (collectively “FIG. 35”)and FIGS. 36 a, 36 b, and 36 c (collectively “FIG. 36”). Exemplarydopant concentrations as a function of depth y along vertical line 274Mthrough source portions 240M and 240L and through empty-well mainbody-material portion 254 are presented in FIG. 35. FIG. 36 presentsexemplary dopant concentrations as a function of depth y along verticalline 278M (only partially shown in FIG. 34.1) through drain portions242M and 242L and through body-material portion 254.

FIGS. 35 a and 36 a, which are respectively analogous to FIGS. 14 a and18 a for IGFET 100, specifically illustrate concentrations N_(I), alongvertical lines 274M and 278M, of the individual semiconductor dopantsthat vertically define regions 136, 210, 240M, 240E, 240L, 242M, 242E,242L, 250, and 254 of graded junction IGFET 100V and thus respectivelyestablish the vertical dopant profiles in (a) source portions 240M and240L and the underlying material of empty-well body-material portion 254and (b) drain portions 242M and 242L and the underlying material ofbody-material portion 254. Curves 240L′ and 242L′ in FIGS. 35 a and 36 arepresent concentrations N_(I) (only vertical here) of the n-typejunction-grading S/D dopant that defines respective lower source portion240L and lower drain portion 242L. The other curves in FIGS. 35 a and 36a have the same meanings as in FIGS. 14 a and 18 a.

Analogous respectively to FIGS. 14 b and 18 b for IGFET 100, FIGS. 35 band 36 b variously depict concentrations N_(T) of the total p-type andtotal n-type dopants in regions 136, 210, 240M, 240L, 242M, 242L, 250,and 254 along vertical lines 274M and 278M of IGFET 100V. Curves 240L″and 242L″ in FIGS. 35 b and 36 b respectively correspond to lower sourceportion 240L and lower drain portion 242L. The other curves and curvesegments in FIGS. 35 b and 36 b have the same meanings as in FIGS. 14 band 18 b. Item 240″ in FIG. 35 b thus corresponds to source 240 andrepresents the combination of curve segments 240M″, 240L″, and 240E″.Item 242″ in FIG. 36 b similarly corresponds to drain 242 and representsthe combination of curve segments 242M″, 242L″, and 242E″.

FIGS. 35 c and 36 c, which are respectively analogous to FIGS. 14 a and18 a for IGFET 100, present net dopant concentration N_(N) alongvertical lines 274M and 278M for IGFET 100V. Concentrations N_(N) of thenet n-type dopants in lower source portion 240L and lower drain portion242L are respectively represented by curve segments 240L* and 242L* inFIGS. 35 c and 36 c. The other curves and curve segments in FIGS. 35 cand 36 c have the same meanings as in FIGS. 14 c and 18 c. Item 240* inFIG. 35 c corresponds to source 240 and represents the combination ofcurve segments 240M*, 240L*, and 240E*. Item 242* in FIG. 36 ccorresponds to drain 242 and represents the combination of curvesegments 242M*, 242L*, and 242E*.

As shown by curves 240L′ and 240M′ in FIG. 35 a, the n-typejunction-grading S/D dopant reaches a maximum concentration in source240 along a subsurface location below the location of the maximumconcentration of the n-type main S/D dopant in source 240. Curves 240L′and 240M′ also show that the maximum concentration of the n-typejunction-grading S/D dopant in source 240 is less than the maximumconcentration of the n-type main S/D dopant in source 240. Referring tocurves 242M′ and 242L′ in FIG. 36 a, they show that the n-typejunction-grading S/D dopant reaches a maximum concentration in drain 242along a subsurface location below the location of the maximumconcentration of the n-type main S/D dopant in drain 242. In addition,curves 242L′ and 242M′ show that the maximum concentration of the n-typejunction-grading S/D dopant in drain 242 is less than the maximumconcentration of the n-type main S/D dopant in drain 242.

With reference to FIGS. 35 b and 36 b, the distribution of the n-typejunction-grading dopant in source 240 and drain 242 is controlled sothat the shapes of curves 240″ and 242″ representing concentration N_(T)of the total n-type dopant in source 240 and drain 242 are determined bythe n-type junction-grading S/D dopant in the vicinity of source-bodyjunction 246 and drain-body junction 248. This can be clearly seen bycomparing curves 240″ and 242″ in FIGS. 35 a and 36 a respectively tocurves 240″ and 242″ in FIGS. 14 a and 18 a. Since the n-typejunction-grading S/D dopant has a lower maximum dopant concentrationthan the n-type main S/D dopant in both source 240 and drain 242, then-type junction-grading S/D dopant has a lower vertical concentrationgradient than the n-type main S/D dopant at any particular dopantconcentration. Consequently, the n-type junction-grading S/D dopantcauses the n-type vertical dopant gradient in source 240 and drain 242to be reduced in the vicinity of junctions 246 and 248. The reducedjunction vertical dopant gradient is reflected in curves 240* and 242*in FIGS. 35 c and 36 c.

The vertical junction, grading for p-channel IGFET 102V is achieved withheavily doped p-type lower source portion 280L and heavily doped p-typelower drain portion 282L which respectively underlie, and arerespectively vertically continuous with, main source portion 280M andmain drain portion 282M. Again see FIG. 34.1. Although heavily doped, p+lower source portion 280L and lower drain portion 282L are respectivelymore lightly doped than p++ main source portion 280M and p++ main drain282M. Due to the lighter p-type doping of lower source portion 280L, thevertical dopant concentration gradient across the portion of source-bodyjunction 286 extending along lower source portion 280L is reduced.

The lighter p-type doping of lower drain portion 282L similarly causesthe vertical dopant concentration gradient across the portion ofdrain-body junction 288 extending along lower drain portion 282L to bereduced. Similar to what was said above about n-channel IGFET 100V,lower drain portion 282L of p-channel IGFET 102V can alternativelyextend shallower than drain extension 282E while still extending deeperthan main drain portion 282M. Drain extension 282E assists lower drainportion 282L in reducing the vertical dopant concentration gradientacross the underlying portion of drain-body junction 288.

Source depth y_(S) of IGFET 102V equals its lower source portion depthy_(SL). In the preferred example of FIG. 34.1 where lower drain portion282L extends deeper than drain extension 282E, drain depth y_(D) ofIGFET 102V equals its lower drain portion depth y_(DL). Taking note thatsource depth y_(S) of IGFET 102 is normally 0.05-0.15 μm, typically 0.10μm, source depth y_(S) of IGFET 102V is normally 0.08-0.20 μm, typically0.12 μm. Lower source portion 280L thus causes source depth y_(S) to beincreased significantly. Similarly taking note that drain depth y_(D) ofIGFET 100 is normally 0.08-0.20 μm, typically 0.14 μm, drain depth y_(D)of IGFET 100V is normally 0.10-0.25 μm, typically 0.17 μm. Consequently,lower drain portion 242L causes source depth y_(D) to be increasedconsiderably. In the preferred example of FIG. 34.1, drain depth y_(D)for IGFET 102V is considerably greater than its source depth y_(S).

Lower source portion 280L and lower drain portion 282L of IGFET 102V aredefined with the p-type junction-grading S/D dopant. The dopantdistribution of the p-type grading junction S/D dopant relative to thedopant distribution of the p-type main S/D dopant is controlled in thesame way that the dopant distribution of the n-type grading junction S/Ddopant is controlled relative to the dopant distribution of the n-typemain S/D dopant. In each of source 280 and drain 282, the p-typejunction-grading S/D dopant thus reaches a maximum concentration along asubsurface location below the location of the maximum concentration ofthe p-type main S/D dopant. Also, the p-type junction-grading S/D dopantin each of source 280 and drain 282 has a lower maximum concentrationthan the p-type main S/D dopant. In particular, the distribution of thep-type junction-grading dopant in source 280 and drain 282 is controlledso that the concentration of the total p-type dopant in source 280 anddrain 282 are determined by the p-type junction-grading S/D dopant inthe vicinity of source-body junction 286 and drain-body junction 288.The p-type junction-grading S/D dopant thereby causes the p-typevertical dopant gradient in source 280 and drain 282 to be reduced inthe vicinity of junctions 286 and 288.

Extended-drain IGFETs 104V and 106V appear in FIG. 34.2 corresponding toFIG. 11.2. The vertical source junction grading for n-channel IGFET 104Vis achieved with a heavily doped n-type lower source portion 320L whichunderlies, and is vertically continuous with, main source portion 320M.Although heavily doped, n+ lower source portion 320L is more lightlydoped than n++ main source portion 320M. Due to the lighter n-typedoping of lower source portion 320L compared to main source portion320M, the vertical dopant concentration gradient across the portion ofsource-body junction 324 extending along lower source portion 320L isreduced. As a side effect of providing n+ lower source portion 320L,IGFET 104V contains a heavily doped n-type intermediate portion 910situated immediately below n++ drain contact portion/main drain portion334 in island 144B. N+ intermediate portion 910 forms part of drain 184Bbut does not have any significant effect on the operation of IGFET 104.

Lower source portion 320L and intermediate drain portion 910 are definedwith the n-type junction-grading S/D dopant. The foregoing explanationabout how the n-type junction-grading dopant causes the n-type verticaldopant concentration gradient in S/D zones 240 and 242 of IGFET 100V tobe reduced in the vicinity of junctions 246 and 248 applies to reducingthe n-type vertical dopant concentration gradient in source 320 of IGFET104V in the vicinity of source-body junction 324. Hence, thedistribution of the n-type junction-grading dopant in source 320 ofIGFET 104V is controlled so that the concentration of the total n-typedopant in source 320 is determined by the n-type junction-grading S/Ddopant in the vicinity of source-body junction 324. Consequently, then-type junction-grading S/D dopant causes the n-type vertical dopantgradient in source 320 to be reduced in the vicinity of source-bodyjunction 324.

The vertical source junction grading for p-channel IGFET 106V issimilarly achieved with a heavily doped p-type lower source portion 360Lwhich underlies, and is vertically continuous with, main source portion360M. Again see FIG. 34.2. P+ lower source portion 360L is more lightlydoped than p++ main source portion 360M. As a result, the verticaldopant concentration gradient across the portion of source-body junction364 extending along lower source portion 360L is reduced. As a sideeffect, IGFET 106V contains a heavily doped p-type intermediate drainportion 912 situated immediately below p++ drain contact portion/maindrain portion 374 in island 146B. N+ intermediate drain portion 912 doesnot have any significant effect on the operation of IGFET 106V.

Lower source portion 360L and intermediate drain portion 912 are definedwith the p-type junction-grading S/D dopant. The preceding explanationabout how the n-type junction-grading dopant causes the n-type verticaldopant concentration gradient in source zone 320 of IGFET 104V to bereduced in the vicinity of source-body junction 324 applies to reducingthe n-type vertical dopant concentration gradient in source 360 of IGFET106 in the vicinity of source-body junction 364. That is, thedistribution of the p-type junction-grading dopant in source 360 ofIGFET 106V is controlled so that the concentration of the total p-typedopant in source 360 is determined by the p-type junction-grading S/Ddopant in the vicinity of source-body junction 364. The p-typejunction-grading S/D dopant thereby causes the p-type vertical dopantgradient in source 360 to be reduced in the vicinity of source-bodyjunction 364.

Symmetric low-leakage IGFETs 108V and 110V appear in FIG. 34.3corresponding to FIG. 11.3. The vertical junction grading for n-channelIGFET 108V is achieved with largely identical heavily doped n-type lowerS/D portions 440L and 442L which respectively underlie, and arerespectively vertically continuous with, main S/D portions 440M and442M. Although heavily doped, n+ lower S/D portions 440L and 442L aremore lightly doped than n++ main S/D portions 440M and 442M. The lighterdoping of lower S/D portions 440L and 442L compared to main S/D portions440M and 442M respectively causes the vertical dopant concentrationgradients across the portions of S/D-body junctions 446 and 448extending respectively along lower S/D portions 440L and 442L to bereduced.

Lower S/D portions 440L and 442L are defined with the n-typejunction-grading S/D dopant. An understanding of how the n-typejunction-grading S/D dopant reduces the vertical dopant concentrationgradients across S/D-body junctions 446 and 448 of symmetric IGFET 108is facilitated with the assistance of FIGS. 37 a, 37 b, and 37 c(collectively “FIG. 37”). FIG. 37 presents exemplary dopantconcentrations as a function of depth y along vertical line 474 or 476through S/D portions 440M and 440L or 442M and 442L and throughunderlying filled-well main body-material portion 456 and 454.

FIG. 37 a, which is analogous to FIG. 31 a for IGFET 108, specificallyillustrates concentrations N_(I), along vertical line 474 or 476, of theindividual semiconductor dopants that vertically define regions 136,440M, 440E, 440L, 442M, 442E, 442L, 460, 452, 454, 456, and 458 ofgraded junction IGFET 108V and thus respectively establish the verticaldopant profiles in S/D portions 440M and 440L or 442M and 442L and theunderlying material of filled-well body-material portions 454 and 456.Curve 440L′ or 442L′ represents concentration N_(I) (only vertical here)of the n-type junction grading S/D dopant that defines lower S/D portion440L or 442L. The other curves in FIG. 37 a have the same meanings as inFIG. 31 a.

Analogous to FIG. 31 b for IGFET 108, FIG. 37 b variously depictsconcentrations N_(T) of the total p-type and total n-type dopants inregions 136, 440M, 440L, 442M, 442L, 454, and 456 along vertical line474 or 476 of IGFET 108V. Curve 440L″ or 442L″ in FIG. 37 b correspondsto lower S/D portion 440L or 442L. The other curves and curve segmentsin FIG. 37 b have the same meanings as in FIG. 31 b. Item 440″ or 460″in FIG. 37 b thus corresponds to S/D zone 440 or 442 and represents thecombination of curve segments 440M″, 440L″, and 440E″ or curve segments442M″, 442L″, and 442E″.

FIG. 37 c, which is analogous to FIG. 31 a for IGFET 108, presents netdopant concentration N_(N) along vertical line 474 or 476 for IGFET108V. Concentration N_(N) of the net n-type dopant in lower S/D portion440L or 442L is represented by curve segments 440L* or 442L* in FIG. 37c. The other curves and curve segments in FIG. 37 c have the samemeanings as in FIG. 31 c. Item 440* or 442* in FIG. 37 c corresponds toS/D zone 440 and represents the combination of curve segments 440M*,440L*, and 440E* or curve segments 442M*, 442L*, and 442E*.

Curves 440L′ and 440M′ or 442L′ and 442M′ in FIG. 37 a show that then-type junction-grading S/D dopant reaches a maximum concentration ineach S/D zone 440 or 442 along a subsurface location below the locationof the maximum concentration of the n-type main S/D dopant in that S/Dzone 440 or 442. In addition, curves 440L′ and 440M′ or 442L′ and 442M′show that the maximum concentration of the n-type junction-grading S/Ddopant in each S/D zone 440 or 442 is less than the maximumconcentration of the n-type main S/D dopant in that S/D zone 440 or 442.

Referring to FIG. 37 b, the distribution of the n-type junction-gradingdopant in S/D zone 440 or 442 is controlled so that the shape of curve440″ or 442″ representing concentration N_(T) of the total n-type dopantin that S/D zone 440 or 442 is determined by the n-type junction-gradingS/D dopant in the vicinity of S/D-body junction 446 or 448. Comparecurve 440″ or 442″ in FIG. 37 a to curve 440″ or 442″ in FIG. 31 a.Inasmuch as the n-type junction-grading S/D dopant has a lower maximumdopant concentration than the n-type main S/D dopant in each S/D zone440 or 442, the n-type junction-grading S/D dopant has a lower verticalconcentration gradient than the n-type main S/D dopant at any particulardopant concentration. Accordingly, the n-type junction-grading S/Ddopant causes the n-type vertical dopant gradient in each S/D zone 440or 442 to be reduced in the vicinity of S/D-body junctions 446 or 448.The reduced junction vertical dopant gradient is reflected in curve 440*or 442* in FIG. 37 c.

The vertical junction grading for p-channel IGFET 110V is achieved withlargely identical heavily doped p-type lower S/D portions 480L and 482Lwhich respectively underlie, and are respectively vertically continuouswith, main S/D portions 480M and 482M. Again see FIG. 34.3. Althoughheavily doped, p+ lower S/D portions 480L and 482L are respectively morelightly doped than p++ main S/D portions 480M and 482M. The lighterp-type doping of lower S/D portion 480L or 482L causes the verticaldopant concentration gradient across the portion of S/D-body junction446 or 448 extending along lower S/D portion 480L or 482L to be reduced.

Lower S/D portions 480L and 482L of IGFET 110V are defined with thep-type junction-grading S/D dopant. The dopant distribution of thep-type grading-junction S/D dopant relative to the dopant distributionof the p-type main S/D dopant is controlled in the same way that thedopant distribution of the n-type grading junction S/D dopant iscontrolled relative to the dopant distribution of the n-type main S/Ddopant. In each S/D zone 480 or 482, the p-type junction-grading S/Ddopant thereby reaches a maximum concentration along a subsurfacelocation below the location of the maximum concentration of the p-typemain S/D dopant. The p-type junction-grading S/D dopant in each S/D zone480 or 482 also has a lower maximum concentration than the p-type mainS/D dopant. More specifically, the distribution of the p-typejunction-grading dopant in each S/D zone 480 or 482 is controlled sothat the concentration of the total p-type dopant in that S/D zone 480or 482 is determined by the p-type junction-grading S/D dopant in thevicinity of S/D-body junction 486 or 488. The p-type junction-gradingS/D dopant thus causes the p-type vertical dopant gradient in each S/dzone 480 or 482 to be reduced in the vicinity of junction 486 or 488.

Nothing dealing with the vertical junction grading in symmetriclow-leakage IGFETs 108 and 110 depends on their usage of filled mainwell regions 188 and 190. Accordingly, each of the other illustratedsymmetric n-channel IGFETs, regardless of whether it uses a p-typefilled main well, a p-type empty well, or no p-type well, can beprovided with a pair of heavily doped n-type lower S/D portions thatachieve vertical junction grading. Each of the other illustratedsymmetric p-channel IGFETs, regardless of whether it uses an n-typefilled main well, an n-type empty main well, or no n-type well, cansimilarly be provided with a pair of heavily doped p-type lower S/Dportions that achieve vertical junction grading.

As mentioned above, the n-type junction-grading implantation for then-channel IGFETs is performed in conjunction with the n-type main S/Dimplantation while photoresist mask 970 is in place prior to the initialspike anneal. The n-type junction-grading S/D dopant is ion implanted ata high dosage through the openings in photoresist 970, through theuncovered sections of surface dielectric layer 964 and into verticallycorresponding portions of the underlying monosilicon to define (a) n+lower source portion 240L and n+ lower drain portion, 242L of asymmetricIGFET 100, (b) n+ lower source portion 320L and n+ intermediate drainportion 910 of extended-drain IGFET 104, (c) n+ lower S/D portions 440Land 442L of symmetric n-channel IGFET 108, and (d) a pair of largelyidentical n+ lower S/D portions (not shown) for each other illustratedsymmetric n-channel IGFET.

The n-type main and junction-grading S/D dopants both pass throughsubstantially the same material along the upper semiconductor surface,namely surface dielectric layer 964. To achieve the n-type main andjunction-grading dopant distributions described above, the implantationenergies for the n-type main and junction-grading S/D implants arechosen so that the n-type grading S/D implant is of greater implantationrange than the n-type main S/D implant. This enables the n-typejunction-grading S/D dopant to be implanted to a greater average depththan the n-type main S/D dopant. In addition, the n-typejunction-grading S/D dopant is implanted at a suitably lower dosage thanthe n-type main S/D dopant.

When the n-type main S/D dopant is implanted at the dosage given above,the lower dosage of the n-type junction-grading S/D dopant is normally1×10¹³−1×10¹⁴ ions/cm², typically 3×10¹³−4×10¹³ ions/cm². The n-typejunction-grading S/D dopant, normally consisting of phosphorus orarsenic, is usually of lower atomic weight than the n-type main S/Ddopant. For the typical case in which arsenic constitutes the n-typemain S/D dopant while lower-atomic-weight phosphorus constitutes then-type junction-grading S/D dopant, the implantation energy of then-type junction-grading S/D dopant is normally 20-100 keV, typically 100keV. Alternatively, the n-type junction-grading dopant can consist ofthe same element, and thus be of the same atomic weight, as the n-typemain S/D dopant. In that case, the n-type junction-grading dopant isimplanted at a suitably higher implantation energy than the n-type mainS/D dopant.

As also mentioned above, the p-type junction-grading implantation forthe p-channel IGFETs is similarly performed prior to the further spikeanneal in conjunction with the p-type main S/D implantation whilephotoresist mask 972 is in place. The p-type junction-grading S/D dopantis ion implanted at a high dosage through the openings in photoresist972, through the uncovered sections of surface dielectric layer 964 andinto vertically corresponding portions of the underlying monosilicon todefine (a) p+ lower source portion 280L and p+ lower drain portion 282Lof asymmetric IGFET 102, (b) p+ lower source portion 360L and p+intermediate drain portion 912 of extended-drain IGFET 106, (c) p+ lowerS/D portions 480L and 482L of symmetric p-channel IGFET 108, and (d) apair of largely identical p+ lower S/D portions (not shown) for eachother illustrated symmetric p-channel IGFET.

As with the n-type main and junction-grading S/D dopants, the p-typemain and junction-grading S/D dopants both pass through substantiallythe same material along the upper semiconductor surface, again namelysurface dielectric layer 964. In order to achieve the requisite p-typemain and junction-grading dopant distributions, the implantationenergies for the p-type main and junction-grading S/D implants arechosen so that the p-type grading S/D implant has a greater implantationrange than the p-type main S/D implant. As a result, the p-typejunction-grading S/D dopant is implanted to a greater average depth thanthe p-type main S/D dopant. The p-type junction-grading S/D dopant isalso implanted at a suitably lower dosage than the p-type main S/Ddopant.

For implanting the p-type main S/D dopant at the dosage given above, thelower dosage of the p-type junction-grading S/D dopant is normally1×10¹³−1×10¹⁴ ions/cm², typically 4×10¹³ ions/cm². As with the p-typemain S/D dopant, the p-type junction-grading S/D dopant normallyconsists of boron in elemental form. The implantation energy is normally10-30 keV, typically 15-20 keV.

P. Asymmetric IGFETs with Multiply Implanted Source Extensions

P1. Structure of Asymmetric N-Channel IGFET with Multiply ImplantedSource Extension

FIG. 38 illustrates an n-channel portion of a variation of the CIGFETsemiconductor structure of FIG. 11 configured according to theinvention. The n-channel semiconductor structure of FIG. 38 containssymmetric low-voltage low-leakage high-V_(T) n-channel IGFET 108,symmetric low-voltage low-V_(T) n-channel IGFET 112, and a variation100W of asymmetric high-voltage n-channel IGFET 100. Except as describedbelow, asymmetric high-voltage n-channel IGFET 100W is configuredsubstantially the same as IGFET 100 in FIG. 11.1.

In place of n-type source 240, asymmetric IGFET 100W has an n-typesource 980 consisting of a very heavily doped main portion 980M and amore lightly doped lateral extension 980E. Although more lightly dopedthan n++ main source portion 980M, lateral source extension 980E isstill heavily doped. External electrical contact to source 980 is madevia main source portion 980M. N+ lateral source extension 980E and n+lateral drain extension 242E terminate channel zone 244 along the uppersemiconductor surface. Gate electrode 262 extends over part of lateralsource extension 980E but normally not over any part of n++ main sourceportion 980M.

Drain extension 242E is more lightly doped than source extension 980Esimilar to how drain extension 242E of asymmetric IGFET 100 is morelightly doped than its source extension 240E. However, different fromIGFET 100, source extension 980E is defined by ion implanting n-typesemiconductor dopant in at least two separate implantation operations.The source-extension implantations are normally performed under suchconditions that the concentration of the total n-type semiconductordopant defining source extension 980E locally reaches at least tworespectively corresponding subsurface concentration maxima in source980. This enables the vertical dopant profile in source extension 980Eto be configured in a desired manner.

Each of the subsurface concentration maxima that define source extension980E in IGFET 100W normally occurs at a different subsurface location insource 980. More particularly, each of these subsurfacemaximum-concentration locations is normally at least partially presentin source extension 980E. Each of these maximum-concentrations normallyextends fully laterally across source extension 980E. In particular, onesuch maximum-concentration location at an average depth y less thandepth y_(SM) of main source portion 980M normally extends from halopocket portion 250 to source portion 980M. Another suchmaximum-concentration location at an average depth y greater than depthy_(SM) of main source portion 980M extends from halo pocket portion 250under source portion 980M to field-insulation region 138. Due to the wayin which the n-type semiconductor dopant is normally ion implanted indefining source extension 980E, one or more of the maximum-concentrationlocations for source extension 980E normally extends into main sourceportion 980M.

Main source portion 980M and main drain portion 242M of IGFET 100W aredefined by ion implantation of the n-type main S/D dopant in the sameway as main source portion 240M and main drain portion 242M of IGFET100. The concentration of the n-type dopant that defines main sourceportion 980M of IGFET 100W thus locally reaches another subsurfaceconcentration maximum in source 980, specifically main source portion980M. Hence, the concentration of the dopant that defines source 980locally reaches a total of at least three subsurface concentrationmaxima in source 980, one in main source portion 980M and at least twoothers in source extension 980E. In other words, main source portion980M is defined by the dopant distribution attendant to one subsurfacemaximum in the concentration of the total n-type dopant in source 980,specifically main source portion 980M, while source extension 980E isdefined by the dopant distribution attendant to at least two othersubsurface maxima in the concentration of the total n-type dopant insource 980, specifically source extension 980E.

One of the ion implantation operations used in defining source extension980E is normally utilized in defining drain extension 242E. The main S/Dion implantation operation employed in defining main source portion 980Mand main drain portion 242M of IGFET 100W is normally performed so thatdrain extension 242E of IGFET 100W extends deeper than its main drainportion 242M in the same way that drain extension 242E of IGFET 100extends deeper than its main drain portion 242M. Source extension 980Eof IGFET 100W thereby normally extends deeper than main source portion980M.

At least one of the ion implantation operations used in defining sourceextension 980E is not utilized in defining drain extension 242E. IGFET100W is therefore asymmetric with respect to its lateral extensions 980Eand 242E. In addition, p halo pocket portion 250 extends along sourceextension 980E into channel zone 244. This causes channel zone 244 to beasymmetric with respect to source 980 and drain 242 so as to provideIGFET 100W with further asymmetry.

Source 980 of IGFET 100W is of similar configuration to source 240 ofasymmetric graded junction high-voltage n-channel IGFET 100V. Theconcentrations of the individual n-type semiconductor dopants thatdefine source 240 of IGFET 100V locally reaches three subsurfaceconcentration maxima in its source 240 as indicated in FIG. 35 a. Thesethree subsurface concentration maxima respectively define main sourceportion 240M, source extension 240E, and lower source portion 240L whichprovides the vertical source-body junction grading. The individualdopant distributions along vertical line 274M through source 980 istypically similar to the individual dopant distributions along line 274Mthrough source 240 of IGFET 100V as depicted in FIG. 35 a. Likewise, thetotal dopant distributions and net dopant profile along line 274Mthrough source 980 are respectively typically similar to the totaldopant distributions and net dopant profile along line 274M throughsource 240 of IGFET 100V as respectively depicted in FIGS. 35 b and 35c.

The combination of source extension 240E and lower source portion 240Lof graded-junction IGFET 100V is similar to source extension 980E ofIGFET 100W. One significant difference is that each of the subsurfacelocations of the maximum concentrations of the n-type semiconductordopant which defines source extension 980E of IGFET 100W normallyextends laterally further toward drain 242 than the subsurface locationof the maximum concentration of the n-type semiconductor dopant whichdefines lower source portion 240L of IGFET 100V. This arises, asdiscussed below, from the dopant-blocking procedure used in performingthe n-type ion implantations which define source extension 980E of IGFET100W. Another difference is that the dopant concentration at thelocation of the deepest subsurface concentration maxima in sourceextension 980 may be greater than the dopant concentration at thelocation of the subsurface concentration maximum which defines lowersource portion 240L in IGFET 100V.

The n-channel structure of FIG. 38 includes an isolating moderatelydoped n-type well region 982 situated below field-insulation region 138and between deep n well region 210 of IGFET 100W and n-type main wellregion 188 of IGFET 108. N well 982 assists in electrically isolatingIGFETs 100W and 108 from each other. N well 982 can be deleted inembodiments where n-channel IGFET 100W is not adjacent to anothern-channel IGFET.

The larger semiconductor structure containing the n-channel structure ofFIG. 38 may generally include any of the other IGFETs described above.Additionally, the larger semiconductor structure may include a variationof asymmetric high-voltage p-channel IGFET 102 whose p-type source isconfigured the same as n-type source 980 with the conductivity typesreversed.

A further understanding of the doping characteristics in source 980 ofasymmetric IGFET 100W is facilitated with the assistance of FIGS. 39 a,39 b, and 39 c (collectively “FIG. 39”) and FIGS. 40 a, 40 b, and 40 c(collectively “FIG. 40”). FIGS. 39 and 40 represent a typical example inwhich source extension 980E is defined by two separatesemiconductor-dopant ion implantation operations performed with then-type shallow S/D-extension dopant and the n-type deep S/D-extensiondopant. Exemplary dopant concentrations as a function of depth y alongvertical line 274M through main source portion 980M are presented inFIG. 39. FIG. 40 presents exemplary dopant concentrations as a functionof depth y along vertical line 274E through source extension 980E.

FIGS. 39 a and 40 a, which are respectively analogous to FIGS. 14 a and15 a for IGFET 100, specifically illustrate concentrations N_(I), alongvertical lines 274M and 274E, of the individual semiconductor dopantsthat vertically define regions 136, 210, 980M, 980E, 250, and 254 ofIGFET 100W and thus respectively establish the vertical dopant profilein main source portion 980M, source extension 980E, and the underlyingmaterial of empty-well body-material portion 254. Curves 980ES′ and980ED′ in FIGS. 39 a and 40 a respectively represent concentrationsN_(I) (only vertical here) of the n-type shallow and deep S/D-extensiondopants. Analogous to curve 240M′ in FIG. 14 a, curve 980M′ in FIG. 39 arepresents concentration N_(I) (again only vertical here) of the n-typemain S/D dopant used to form main source portion 980M. The other curvesin FIGS. 39 a and 40 a have the same meanings as in FIGS. 14 a and 18 a.

Analogous respectively to FIGS. 14 b and 15 b for IGFET 100, FIGS. 39 band 40 b variously depict concentrations N_(T) of the total p-type andtotal n-type dopants in regions 136, 210, 980M, 980E, 250, and 254 alongvertical lines 274M and 274E of IGFET 100W. Curves 980M″ and 980E″ inFIGS. 39 b and 40 b respectively correspond to main source portion 980Mand source extension 980E. Item 980″ in FIG. 39 b corresponds to source980 and represents the combination of curve segments 980M″ and 980E″.The other curves and curve segments in FIGS. 39 b and 40 b have the samemeanings as in FIGS. 14 b and 15 b.

FIGS. 39 c and 40 c, which are respectively analogous to FIGS. 14 c and15 c for IGFET 100, present net dopant concentration N_(N) alongvertical lines 274M and 274E for IGFET 100W. Concentrations N_(N) of thenet n-type dopants in main source portion 980M and source extension 980Eare respectively represented by curve segments 980M* and 980E* in FIGS.39 c and 40 c. Item 980* in FIG. 39 c corresponds to source 980 andrepresents the combination of curve segments 980M* and 980E*. The othercurves in FIGS. 39 c and 40 c have the same meanings as in FIGS. 14 cand 15 c.

The ion implantations of the n-type shallow and deep S/D-extensiondopants normally cause them to reach their respective maximumconcentrations along subsurface locations at respective differentaverage depths y_(SEPKS) and y_(SEPKD). A small circle on curve 980ES′in FIG. 40 a indicates depth y_(SEPKS) of the maximum value ofconcentration N_(I) of the n-type shallow S/D-extension dopant in sourceextension 980E. A small circle on curve 980ED′ in FIG. 40 a similarlyindicates depth y_(SEPKD) of the maximum value of concentration N_(I) ofthe n-type deep S/D-extension dopant in source extension 980E.

Concentration N_(I) of the deep n well dopant in source extension 980Eis negligible compared to concentration N_(I) of either n-typeS/D-extension dopant in extension 980E at any depth y less than or equalto maximum depth y_(SE) of extension 980E. Concentration N_(T) of thetotal n-type dopant in source extension 980E, as represented by curve980E″ in FIG. 40 b, is thus virtually equal to the sum of concentrationsN_(I) of the n-type shallow and deep S/D-extension dopants. Sinceconcentrations N_(I) of the n-type shallow and deep S/D-extensiondopants respectively reach maximum concentrations at average depthsy_(SEPKS) and y_(SEPKD), concentration N_(T) of the total n-type dopantin source extension 980E substantially reaches a pair of localconcentration maxima at depths y_(SEPKS) and y_(SEPKD). Subject to netconcentration N_(N) going to zero at source-body junction 246, thisdouble-maxima situation is substantially reflected in FIG. 40 c by curve980E* which represents net concentration N_(N) in source extension 980E.

Curves 980ES′ and 980ED′ appear in FIG. 39 a and reach respectivemaximum subsurface concentrations. Although depths y_(SEPKS) andy_(SEPKD) are not specifically indicated in FIG. 39 a, the presence ofcurves 980ES′ and 980ED′ in FIG. 39 a shows that the subsurfacelocations of the concentrations N_(I) of the n-type shallow and deepS/D-extension dopants extend into main source portion 980M. Curve 980M′in FIG. 39 a represents concentration N_(I) of the n-type main S/Ddopant. As FIG. 39 a shows, curve 980M′ reaches a maximum concentrationat a subsurface location. Consequently, the n-type shallow S/D-extensiondopant, n-type deep S/D-extension dopant, and n-type main S/D dopant areall present in main source portion 980M and reach respective maximumconcentrations in main source portion 980M.

In the example of IGFET 100W represented by FIGS. 39 and 40,concentration N_(I) of the n-type shallow S/D-extension dopant in mainsource portion 980M is negligible compared to concentration N_(I) of themain S/D dopant in source portion 980M at any depth y. However,concentration N_(I) of the n-type deep S/D-extension dopant in mainsource portion 980M exceeds concentration N_(I) of the main S/D dopantin source portion 980M for depth y sufficiently great. As shown in FIG.39 b, the variation of curve 980″ representing concentration N_(T) ofthe total n-type dopant in main source portion 980M only reflects themaximum concentration of the deeper of the two n-type S/D-extensiondopants. Subject to net concentration N_(N) going to zero at source-bodyjunction 246, this variation is substantially reflected in FIG. 39 c bycurve 980* representing net concentration N_(N) in main source portion980M.

Concentration N_(I) of each n-type S/D-extension dopant in main sourceportion 980M may be negligible compared to concentration N_(I) of themain S/D dopant in source portion 980M at any depth y in other examplesof IGFET 100W. In that case, concentration N_(T) of the total n-typedopant in main source portion 980M substantially equals concentrationN_(I) of the n-type main S/D dopant at any depth y.

The dopant distributions in drain extension 242E of IGFET 100W may besomewhat different from the dopant distributions in drain extension 242Eof IGFET 100 due to compromises made to optimize the performance ofIGFET 100W and the other n-channel IGFETs, including n-channel IGFETs108 and 112. Aside from this, the individual dopant distributions, totaldopant distributions, and net dopant profile along line 278M throughmain drain portion 242M of IGFET 100W are respectively typically similarto the individual dopant distributions, total dopant distributions, andnet dopant profile along line 278M through main drain portion 242M ofIGFET 100 as respectively depicted in FIGS. 18 a, 18 b, and 18 c. Theindividual dopant distributions, total dopant distributions, and netdopant profile along line 278E through drain extension 242E of IGFET100W are likewise respectively typically similar to the individualdopant distributions, total dopant distributions, and net dopant profilealong line 278E through drain extension 242E of IGFET 100 asrespectively depicted in FIGS. 17 a, 17 b, and 17 c.

Taking note of the above-mentioned differences between IGFETs 100V and100W, either of asymmetric n-channel IGFETs 100U and 100V can beprovided in a variation in which source 240 is replaced with an n-typesource configured the same as source 980 to include a very heavily dopedn-type main portion and a more lightly doped, but still heavily doped,n-type source extension defined by ion implanting n-type semiconductordopant in at least two separate implantation operations so that theconcentration of the total n-type semiconductor dopant defining thesource extension normally locally reaches at least two respectivelycorresponding subsurface concentration maxima in the source in generallythe same manner as in source 980, namely (a) each of the subsurfaceconcentration maxima defining the source extension normally occurs at adifferent subsurface location in the source and (b) each of thesesubsurface maximum-concentration locations is normally at leastpartially present in the source extension and normally extends fullylaterally across the source extension.

P2. Fabrication of Asymmetric N-Channel IGFET with Multiply ImplantedSource Extension

FIGS. 41 a-41 f (collectively “FIG. 41”) illustrate part of asemiconductor process in accordance with the invention for manufacturingthe n-channel semiconductor structure of FIG. 38 starting at the stageof FIG. 33 l at which the precursor gate electrodes 262P, 462P, and 538Phave been respectively defined for n-channel IGFETs 100W, 108, and 112.FIG. 41 a depicts the structure at this point. The fabrication of IGFET100W up through the stage of FIG. 41 a is the same as the fabrication ofIGFET 100 up to through the stage of FIG. 33 l.

Photoresist mask 952 used in the fabrication process of FIG. 33 isformed on dielectric layers 946 and 948 as shown in FIG. 41 b.Photoresist 952 now has openings above islands 140 and 152 for IGFETs100W and 112. The n-type deep S/D-extension dopant is ion implanted at ahigh dosage through the openings in photoresist 952, through theuncovered sections of surface dielectric 948, and into verticallycorresponding portions of the underlying monosilicon to define (a) an n+deep partial precursor 980EDP to source extension 980E of IGFET 100W,(b) n+ precursor 242EP to drain extension 242E of IGFET 100W, and (c) n+precursors 520EP and 522EP to respective S/D extensions 520E and 522E ofIGFET 112.

The n-type deep S/D-extension implantation can be performed in aslightly tilted manner with tilt angle α approximately equal to 7° or ina manner sufficiently tilted as to constitute angled implantation forwhich tilt angle α is at least 15°, normally 20-45°. In theangled-implantation case, deep partial precursor source extension and980EDP and precursor drain extension 242EP of IGFET 100W extendsignificantly laterally under its precursor gate electrode 262P.Precursor S/D extensions 520EP and 522EP of IGFET 112 then similarlyextend significantly laterally under its precursor gate electrode 538P.The n-type deep. S/D-extension implantation is otherwise typicallyperformed as described above in connection with the process of FIG. 33subject to modifying the implant dosage, implant energy, and, in thecase of angled implantation, tilt angle α in order to optimize thecharacteristics of IGFETs 100W and 112. The n-type deep S/D-extensiondopant is typically arsenic but can be phosphorus.

Photoresist mask 952 substantially blocks the n-type deep S/D-extensiondopant from entering the monosilicon intended for IGFET 108. Hence, then-type deep S/D-extension dopant is substantially prevented fromentering the monosilicon portions intended for S/D extensions 440E and442E of IGFET 108. Photoresist 952 is removed.

Photoresist mask 950 also used in the fabrication process of FIG. 33 isformed on dielectric layers 946 and 948 as shown in FIG. 41 c.Photoresist 950 now has openings above the location for source extension240E of IGFET 100 and above island 148 for IGFET 108. The n-type shallowS/D-extension dopant is ion implanted at a high dosage through theopenings in photoresist 950, through the uncovered sections of surfacedielectric 948, and into vertically corresponding portions of theunderlying monosilicon to define (a) an n+ shallow partial precursor980ESP to source extension 980E of IGFET 100W and (b) n+ precursors440EP and 442EP to respective S/D extensions 440E and 442E of IGFET 108.

The n-type shallow S/D-extension implantation is typically performed asdescribed above in connection with the process of FIG. 33 subject tomodifying the implant dosage and implant energy in order to optimize thecharacteristics of IGFETs 100W and 108. Tilt angle α is again normallyequal to approximately 7° during the n-type shallow S/D-extensionimplantation. The n-type shallow S/D-extension dopant is typicallyarsenic but can be phosphorus.

Photoresist mask 950 substantially blocks the n-type shallowS/D-extension dopant from entering (a) precursor drain extension 242EPof IGFET 100W and (b) the monosilicon intended for IGFET 112. The n-typeshallow S/D-extension dopant is thereby substantially prevented fromentering (a) the monosilicon portion intended for drain extension 242Eof IGFET 100W and (b) the monosilicon portions intended for S/Dextensions 520E and 522E of IGFET 112.

The n-type shallow S/D-extension implantation is selectively performedat different implantation conditions than the n-type deep S/D-extensionimplantation. The conditions for the two n-type S/D-extensionimplantations are normally chosen so that average depths y_(SEPKS) andy_(SEPKD) of the two implantations are different. In particular, depthy_(SEPKD) exceeds depth y_(SEPKS). The n-type shallow S/D-extensionimplantation is normally performed at a different, typically greater,dosage than the n-type deep S/D-extension implantation. Thecharacteristics, e.g., the vertical dopant distributions, of thefollowing three sets of precursor S/D extensions are therefore allselectively mutually different: (a) precursor source extension 980EPwhich receives both n-type S/D-extension dopants, (b) precursor drainextension 242EP and precursor S/D extensions 520EP and 522EP whichreceive only the n-type deep S/D-extension dopant, and (c) precursor S/Dextensions 440EP and 442EP which receive only the n-type shallowS/D-extension dopant. Accordingly, the characteristics of (a) finalsource extension 980E of IGFET 100W, (b) final drain extension 242E ofIGFET 100W and final S/D extensions 520E and 522E of IGFET 112, and (c)final S/D extensions 440E and 442E of IGFET 108 all selectively mutuallydifferent.

With photoresist mask 950 still in place, the p-type S/D halo dopant ision implanted at a moderate dosage through the openings in photoresist950, through the uncovered sections of surface dielectric layer 948, andinto vertically corresponding portions of the underlying monosilicon todefine (a) p precursor 250P to source-side halo pocket portion 250 ofIGFET 100W and (b) p precursors 450P and 452P to respective halo pocketportions 450 and 452 of IGFET 108. See FIG. 41 d. The p-type S/D haloimplantation is typically performed in a significantly angled manner asdescribed above in connection with the process of FIG. 33. Photoresist950 is removed.

The operations performed with photoresist mask 950 can be performedbefore the n-type deep S/D-extension implantation performed withphotoresist mask 952. In either case, the remainder of the IGFETfabrication is performed as described above in connection with theprocess of FIG. 33. FIG. 41 e shows how the structure appears at thestage of FIG. 33 w when dielectric gate sidewall spacers 264, 266, 464,466, 540, and 542 are formed. At this point, precursor empty main wellregions 180P and 192P have normally reached the upper semiconductorsurface. Isolated p-epitaxial-layer portions 136P5 and 136P7 whichpreviously appeared in FIG. 41 have shrunk to zero and do not appear inthe remainder of FIG. 41.

FIG. 41 f illustrates the n-type main S/D implantation performed at thestage of FIG. 33 x in the process of FIG. 33. Photoresist mask 970having opening above islands 140, 148 and 152 for IGFETs 100W, 108, and112 is formed on dielectric layers 962 and 964. Although photoresist 970does not appear in FIG. 41 f because only IGFETs 100W, 108, and 112appear in FIG. 41 f, the n-type main S/D dopant is ion implanted at avery high dosage through the openings in photoresist 970, through theuncovered sections of surface dielectric layer 964, and into verticallycorresponding portions of the underlying monosilicon to define (a) n++main source portion 980M and n++ main drain portion 242M of IGFET 100W,(b) n++ main S/D portions 440M and 442M of IGFET 108, and (c) n++ mainS/D portions 520M and 522M of IGFET 112.

As in the stage of FIG. 33 x, the n-type main S/D dopant also entersprecursor gate electrodes 262P, 462P, and 538P for IGFETs 100W, 108, and112, thereby converting precursor electrodes 262P, 462P, and 538Prespectively into n++ gate electrodes 262, 462, and 538. The n-type mainS/D implantation is performed in the manner, and at the conditions,described above, in connection with the process of FIG. 33. Photoresist970 is removed.

After the initial spike anneal performed directly after the n-type mainS/D implantation, the portions of precursor regions 980EPS and 980EPDoutside main S/D portion 980M of IGFET 100W substantially constitute n+source extension 980E. The portion of precursor halo pocket portion 250Poutside main source portion 980M substantially constitutes p source-sidehalo pocket portion 250 of IGFET 100W. The final n-channel semiconductorstructure appears as shown in FIG. 38.

The characteristics of the following three sets of precursor S/Dextensions were, as mentioned above, all selectively mutually different:(a) precursor source extension 980EP which receives both of the n-typeS/D-extension dopants, (b) precursor drain extension 242EP and precursorS/D extensions 520EP and 522EP which receive only the n-type deepS/D-extension dopant, and (c) precursor S/D extensions 440EP and 442EPwhich receive only the n-type shallow S/D-extension dopant. Accordingly,the characteristics of the following three sets of final S/D extensionsare all selectively mutually different: (a) source extension 980E ofIGFET 100W, (b) drain extension 242E of IGFET 100W and S/D extensions520E and 522E of IGFET 112, and (c) final S/D extensions 440E and 442Eof IGFET 108. The fabrication procedure of FIG. 41 therefore efficientlyenables n-type S/D extensions of three different characteristics to bedefined with only two n-type S/D-extension doping operations. Inaddition, one IGFET, namely IGFET 100W, has S/D extensions, i.e., sourceextension 980E and drain extension 242E, of two differentcharacteristics so that the IGFET is an asymmetric device due to thedifferent S/D-extension characteristics.

In one implementation of a semiconductor fabrication process whichutilizes the fabrication procedure of FIG. 41, the n-type shallowsource-extension implantation of FIG. 33 p is essentially merged intothe n-type shallow S/D-extension implantation of FIG. 33 m, and theassociated p-type source halo implantation of FIG. 33 q is essentiallymerged into the p-type S/D halo implantation of FIG. 33 n. Asymmetricn-channel IGFET 100W thereby replaces asymmetric n-channel IGFET 100.The net result of this process implementation is largely to substitutethe three S/D-extension and halo-pocket ion implantation steps of FIGS.41 b-41 d for the five S/D-extension and halo-pocket ion implantationsteps of FIGS. 33 m-33 q. In exchange for somewhat less flexibility intailoring the characteristics of IGFET 100W compared to IGFET 100, thisprocess implementation employs one fewer photoresist masking step andtwo fewer ion implantation operations than the fabrication process ofFIG. 33.

Another implementation of a semiconductor fabrication process utilizingthe fabrication procedure of FIG. 41 retains the n-type shallowsource-extension implantation of FIG. 33 p and the associated p-typesource halo implantation of FIG. 33 q. Both of asymmetric n-channelIGFETs 100 and 100W are thereby available in this other processimplementation.

If a semiconductor fabrication process is to provide a variation ofasymmetric high-voltage p-channel IGFET 102 whose p-type source 280 isconfigured in the same manner as n-type source 980 with the conductivitytypes reversed, this process modification can be implemented byreplacing the five S/D-extension and halo-pocket ion implantation stepsof FIGS. 33 r-33 v in the process of FIG. 33 with three S/D-extensionand halo-pocket ion implantation steps analogous to those of FIGS. 41b-41 d with the conductivity types reversed. The p-type shallowsource-extension implantation of FIG. 33 u is essentially merged intothe p-type shallow S/D-extension implantation of FIG. 33 r, and theassociated n-type source halo implantation of FIG. 33 v is essentiallymerged into the n-type S/D halo implantation of FIG. 33 s. The variationof IGFET 102 then replaces IGFET 102. The resultant processimplementation utilizes two fewer photoresist masking steps and fourfewer ion implantation operations than the fabrication process of FIG.33 in exchange for somewhat reduced flexibility in the asymmetric IGFETtailoring.

A further implementation of a semiconductor fabrication processutilizing the fabrication procedure of FIG. 41 and the p-channel versionof the fabrication procedure of FIG. 41 retains the n-type shallowsource-extension implantation of FIG. 33 p and the associated p-typesource halo implantation of FIG. 33 q. Asymmetric n-channel IGFETs 100and 100W, asymmetric p-channel IGFET 102, and the correspondingvariation of IGFET 102 are available in this further processimplementation.

In other variations of asymmetric n-channel IGFET 100, source extension240E can be replaced with an n-type source extension defined by ionimplanting n-type semiconductor dopant in three or more separateimplantation operations, e.g., implantation operations equivalent to thethree stages of FIGS. 33 m, 33 o, and 33 p in which n-type semiconductordopant for n-type S/D extensions is ion implanted in the process of FIG.33. Similar comments apply to asymmetric p-channel IGFET 102. Its sourceextension 280E can thus be replaced with a p-type source extensiondefined by ion implanting p-type semiconductor dopant in three or moreseparate implantation operations, e.g., implantation operationsequivalent to the three stages of FIGS. 33 r, 33 t, and 33 u in whichp-type semiconductor dopant for p-type S/D extensions is ion implanted.The depths of the maximum concentrations of the three or more n-type orp-type dopants which define the source extension in such variations ofIGFET 100 or 102 normally all differ.

Q. Hypoabrupt Vertical Dopant Profiles Below Source-Body and Drain-BodyJunctions

Consider an IGFET consisting of a channel zone, a pair of S/D zones, agate dielectric layer overlying the channel zone, and a gate electrodeoverlying the gate dielectric layer above the channel zone. The IGFET,which may be symmetric or asymmetric, is created from a semiconductorbody having body material of a first conductivity type. The channel zoneis part of the body material and thus is of the first conductivity type.The S/D zones are situated in the semiconductor body along its uppersurface and are laterally separated by the channel zone. Each S/D zoneis of a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity typeso as to form a pn junction with the body material.

A well portion of the body material extends below the IGFET's S/D zones.The well portion is defined by semiconductor well dopant of the firstconductivity type and is more heavily doped than overlying andunderlying portions of the body material such that concentration N_(I)of the well dopant reaches a subsurface maximum along a location no morethan 10 times deeper, preferably no more than 5 times deeper, below theupper semiconductor surface than a specified one of the S/D zones. Thevertical dopant profile below the specified S/D zone is, as indicatedabove, “hypoabrupt” when concentration N_(T) of the total dopant of thefirst conductivity type in the portion of the body material below theS/D zone decreases by at least a factor of 10 in moving from thesubsurface location of the maximum concentration of the well dopantupward to the specified S/D zone along an imaginary vertical lineextending from the subsurface location of the maximum concentration ofthe well dopant through the specified S/D zone.

Concentration N_(T) of the total dopant of the first conductivity typein the portion of the body material below the specified S/D zonepreferably decreases by at least a factor of 20, more preferably by atleast a factor of 40, even more preferably by at least a factor of 80,in moving from the location of the maximum concentration of the welldopant along the vertical line up to the specified S/D zone.Additionally, concentration N_(T) of the total dopant of the firstconductivity type in the portion of the body material below thespecified S/D zone normally decreases progressively in moving from thelocation of the maximum concentration of the well dopant along thevertical line up to the specified S/D zone.

Alternatively stated, the concentration of all dopant of the firstconductivity type in the body material increases at least 10 times,preferably at least 20 times, more preferably at least 40 times, evenmore preferably at least 80 times, in moving from the specified S/D zonealong the vertical line downward to a body-material location no morethan 10 times deeper, preferably no more than 5 times deeper, below theupper semiconductor surface than that S/D zone. This subsurfacebody-material location normally lies below largely all of each of thechannel and S/D zones. By providing the body material with thishypoabrupt dopant distribution, the parasitic capacitance along the pnjunction between the body material and the specified S/D zone iscomparatively low.

IGFETs having a hypoabrupt vertical dopant profile below one or both oftheir S/D zones are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,419,863 B1 and in U.S.patent application Ser. Nos. 11/981,355 and 11/981,481, both filed 31Oct. 2007. The contents of U.S. Pat. No. 7,419,863 and U.S. patentapplication Ser. Nos. 11/981,355 and 11/981,481 are incorporated byreference herein.

Asymmetric high-voltage n-channel IGFET 100 can be provided in avariation 100X configured the same as IGFET 100 except that p-type emptymain well region 180 is replaced with a p-type empty main well region180X arranged so that the vertical dopant profile in the portion ofp-type empty main well 180X below one or both of n-type source 240 andn-type drain 242 is hypoabrupt. P-type empty main well 180X, which mayprimarily simply be deeper than p-type empty main well 180 of IGFET 100,constitutes the p-type body material for asymmetric high-voltagen-channel IGFET 100X. Subject to the vertical dopant profile directlybelow source 240 or drain 242 being hypoabrupt, IGFET 100X appearssubstantially the same as IGFET 100 in FIGS. 11.1 and 12. Accordingly,IGFET 100X is not separately shown in the drawings.

A further understanding of the hypoabrupt vertical dopant profiledirectly below source 240 or drain 242 of IGFET 100X is facilitated withthe assistance of FIGS. 42 a-42 c (collectively “FIG. 42”), FIGS. 43a-43 c (collectively “FIG. 43”), and FIGS. 44 a-44 c (collectively “FIG.44”). FIGS. 42-44 present exemplary vertical dopant concentrationinformation for IGFET 100X. Exemplary dopant concentrations as afunction of depth y along imaginary vertical line 274M through mainsource portion 240M and empty-well main body-material portion 254 arepresented in FIG. 38. FIG. 43 presents exemplary dopant concentrationsas a function of depth y along imaginary vertical line 276 throughchannel zone 244 and main body-material portion 254. Exemplary dopantconcentrations as a function of depth y along imaginary vertical line278M through main drain portion 242M and body-material portion 254 arepresented in FIG. 44.

FIGS. 42 a, 43 a, and 44 a specifically illustrate concentrations N_(I)along imaginary vertical lines 274M, 276, and 278M, of the individualsemiconductor dopants that vertically define regions 136, 210, 240M,242M, 250, and 254 and thus respectively establish the vertical dopantprofiles in (a) main source portion 240M and the underlying material ofempty-well body-material portion 254, (b) channel zone 244 and theunderlying material of main body-material portion 254, i.e., outsidehalo pocket portion 250, and (c) main drain portion 242M and theunderlying material of body-material portion 254. Curves 136′, 210′,240M′, 240E′, 242M′, 242E′, 250′, and 254′ in FIGS. 42 a, 43 a, and 42 ahave the same meanings as in respectively corresponding FIGS. 14 a, 16a, and 18 a for IGFET 102.

Concentrations N_(T) of the total p-type and total n-type dopants inregions 136, 210, 240M, 242M, 250, and 254 along vertical lines 274M,276, and 278M are depicted in FIGS. 42 b, 43 b, and 44 b. Curve segments136″, 210″, 240″, 240M″, 242″, 242M″, 242E″, 250″, and 254″ in FIGS. 42b, 43 b, and 44 b have the same meanings as in respectivelycorresponding FIGS. 14 b, 16 b, and 18 b for IGFET 102. Item 180X″corresponds to empty-well body material 180X.

Net dopant concentration N_(N) along vertical lines 274M, 276, and 278Mis presented in FIGS. 42 c, 43 c and 44 c. Curves and curve segments210*, 240*, 240M*, 242*, 242M*, 242E*, 250* and 254* in FIGS. 42 b, 43c, and 44 c have the same meanings as in respectively correspondingFIGS. 14 c, 16 c, and 18 c for IGFET 102. Item 180X* corresponds toempty-well body material 180X.

Depth y_(SM) of main source portion 240M of IGFET 100X is considerablyless than 5 times depth y_(PWPK) of the maximum concentration of thetotal p-type dopant in p empty-well body material 180X in the example ofFIG. 38. Inasmuch as source depth y_(S) of IGFET 100X equals its mainsource portion depth y_(SM), source depth y_(S) of IGFET 100X isconsiderably less than 5 times depth y_(PWPK) of the maximumconcentration of the total p-type dopant in body material 180X.

Depth y_(DE) of drain extension 242E of IGFET 100X is considerably lessthan 5 times depth y_(PWPK) of the maximum concentration of the totalp-type dopant in p empty-well body material 180X in the example of FIG.44. With lateral extension 242E extending below main drain portion 242M,drain depth y_(D) of IGFET 100X equals its drain-extension depth y_(DE).Accordingly, drain depth y_(D) of IGFET 100X is considerably less than 5times depth y_(PWPK) of the maximum concentration of the total p-typedopant in body material 180X.

Referring to FIG. 42 b, curve 180″ shows that concentration N_(T) of thetotal p-type dopant in the portion of p-type empty-well body material180X below main portion 240M of source 240 decreases hypoabruptly inmoving from depth y_(PWPK) of the maximum concentration of the totalp-type dopant in body material 180 along vertical line 274M up to mainsource portion 240M. Curve 180″ in FIG. 44 b similarly shows thatconcentration N_(T) of the total p-type dopant in the portion ofempty-well body material 180X below drain 242, specifically below drainextension 242E, decreases hypoabruptly in moving from depth y_(PWPK) ofthe maximum concentration of the total p-type dopant in body material180 along vertical line 278M up to drain extension 242E. These N_(T)concentration decreases are in the vicinity of 100 in the example ofFIGS. 42 b and 44 b. In addition, concentration N_(T) of the totalp-type dopant in body material 180 decreases progressively in movingfrom depth y_(PWPK) of the maximum concentration of the total p-typedopant in body material 180 along vertical line 274M or 278M up tosource 240 or drain 242.

Asymmetric high-voltage p-channel IGFET 102 can similarly be provided ina variation 102X, not shown, configured the same as IGFET 102 exceptthat n-type empty main well region 182 is replaced with an n-type emptymain well region 182X arranged so that the vertical dopant profile inthe portion of n-type empty main well 182X below one or both of p-typesource 280 and p-type drain 282 is hypoabrupt. The n-type body materialfor asymmetric high-voltage p-channel IGFET 102X is constituted byn-type empty main well 182X. IGFET 102X appears substantially the sameas IGFET 102 in FIG. 11.1 subject to the vertical dopant profiledirectly below source 280 or drain 282 being hypoabrupt. All of thecomments made about IGFET 100X apply to IGFET 102X with the conductivitytypes for respectively corresponding regions reversed.

The hypoabrupt vertical dopant profile below source 240 or 280 of IGFET100X or 102X reduces the parasitic capacitance along source-bodyjunction 246 or 286 considerably. The parasitic capacitance alongdrain-body junction 248 or 288 of IGFET 100X or 102X is likewise reducedconsiderably due to the hypoabrupt vertical below drain 242 or 282. As aresult, IGFETs 100X and 102X have increased considerably switchingspeed.

The presence of source-side halo pocket portion 250 or 290 may cause thevertical dopant profile below source 240 or 280 of IGFET 100X or 102X tobe less hypoabrupt than the vertical dopant profile below drain 242 or282, especially in a variation of IGFET 100X or 102X where halo pocket250 or 290 extends under source 240 or 280. In such a variation, halopocket portion 250 or 290 can even be doped so heavily p-type or n-typethat the vertical dopant profile below source 240 or drain 280 ceases tobe hypoabrupt. The vertical dopant profile below drain 242 or 282,however, continues to be hypoabrupt. The parasitic capacitance alongdrain-body junction 248 or 288 is still reduced considerably so thatthis variation of IGFET 100X or 102X has considerably increasedswitching speed.

Symmetric low voltage low-leakage IGFETs 112 and 114 and symmetrichigh-voltage low-leakage IGFETs 124 and 126 can also be provided inrespective variations 112X, 114X, 124X, and 126X, not shown, configuredrespectively the same as IGFETs 112, 114, 124, and 126 except that emptymain well regions 192, 194, 204, and 206 are respectively replaced withmoderately doped empty main well regions 192X, 194X, 204X, and 206X ofthe same respective conductivity types arranged so that the verticaldopant profiles in the portions of empty main well regions 192X, 194X,204X, and 206X variously below S/D zones 520, 522, 550, 552, 720, 722,750, and 752 are hypoabrupt. The combination of p-type empty main well192X and p− substrate region 136 constitutes the p-type body materialfor n-channel IGFET 112. The p-type body material for n-channel IGFET124 is similarly formed by the combination of p-type empty main well204X and p− substrate region 136. N-type empty main well regions 194Xand 206X respectively constitute the n-type body materials for p-channelIGFETs 114X and 126X.

Symmetric IGFETs 112X, 114X, 124X, and 126X appear respectivelysubstantially the same as symmetric IGFETs 112, 114, 124, and 126 inFIGS. 11.4 and 11.7 subject to the vertical dopant profiles directlybelow S/D zones 520, 522, 550, 552, 720, 722, 750, and 752 beinghypoabrupt. Lateral extension 520E, 522E, 550E, 552E, 720E, 722E, 750E,or 752E of each S/D zone 520, 522, 550, 552, 720, 722, 750, or 752extends below main S/D portion 520M, 522M, 550M, 552M, 720M, 722M, 750M,or 752M. Since lateral extension 242E of drain 242 of IGFET 100X extendsbelow its main drain portion 242M, the comments about the hypoabruptnature of the vertical dopant profile below drain 242 of IGFET 100Xapply to IGFETs 112X, 114X, 124X, and 126X with the conductivity typesfor respectively corresponding regions reversed for p-channel IGFETs114X and 126X.

The hypoabrupt vertical dopant profiles below S/D zones 520, 522, 550,552, 720, 722, 750, and 752 of IGFETs 112X, 114X, 124X, and 126X causethe parasitic capacitances along their various S/D-body junctions 526,528, 556, 558, 726, 728, 756, and 758 to be reduced considerably. IGFETs112X, 114X, 124X, and 126X thereby have considerably increased switchingspeed.

N-channel IGFETs 100X, 112X, and 124X are manufactured according to thefabrication process of FIG. 33 in the same way as n-channel IGFETs 100,112, and 124 except that the conditions for ion implanting the p-typeempty main well dopant at the stage of FIG. 33 e are adjusted to formp-type empty main well regions 180X, 192X, and 204X instead of p-typeempty main well regions 180, 192, and 204. P-type empty main wellregions 184A and 186B for extended-drain IGFETs 104 and 106 are formedwith the same steps as p-type empty main wells 100, 112, and 124. If thecharacteristics of p-type empty main wells 180X, 192X, and 204X areunsuitable for IGFETs 104 and 106 or/and if one or more of IGFETs 100,112, and 124 are also to be formed, a separate photoresist mask havingthe same configuration for IGFETs 100X, 112X and 124X that photoresistmask 932 has for IGFETs 100, 112, and 124 is formed on screen oxidelayer 924 at a selected point during the ion implantation of the welldopants. A further p-type semiconductor dopant is ion implanted throughthe separate photoresist mask to define p-type empty main wells 180X,192X, and 204X. The separate photoresist mask is removed.

P-channel IGFETs 102X, 114X, and 126X are similarly fabricated accordingto the process of FIG. 33 in the same way as p-channel IGFETs 102, 114,and 126 except that the conditions for ion implanting the n-type emptymain well dopant at the stage of FIG. 33 d are adjusted to form n-typeempty main well regions 182X, 194X, and 206X instead of n-type emptymain well regions 182, 194, and 206. N-type empty main well regions 184Band 186A are formed with the same steps as n-type empty main wells 102,114, and 126. If the characteristics of n-type empty main wells 182X,194X, and 206X are unsuitable for IGFETs 104 and 106 or/and if one ormore of IGFETs 102, 114, and 126 are also to be formed, a separatephotoresist mask having the same configuration for IGFETs 102X, 114X,and 126X that photoresist mask 930 has for IGFETs 102, 114, and 126 isformed on screen oxide layer 924 at a selected point during the ionimplantation of the well dopants. A further n-type semiconductor dopantis ion implanted through the separate photoresist mask to define n-typeempty main wells 182X, 194X, and 206X after which the separatephotoresist mask is removed.

R. Nitrided Gate Dielectric Layers

R1. Vertical Nitrogen Concentration Profile in Nitrided Gate DielectricLayer

The fabrication of p-channel IGFETs 102, 106, 110, 114, 118, 122, and126 normally includes doping their respective gate electrodes 302, 386,502, 568, 628, 702, and 768 very heavily p-type with boron at the sametime that boron is ion implanted at a very high dosage into thesemiconductor body as the p-type main S/D dopant for defining theirrespective main S/D portions 280M and 282M, 360M (and 374), 480M and482M, 550M and 552M, 610M and 612M, 680M and 682M, and 750M and 752M.Boron diffuses very fast. In the absence of someboron-diffusion-inhibiting mechanism, boron in gate electrodes 302, 386,502, 568, 628, 702, and 768 could diffuse through respective underlyinggate dielectric layers 300, 384, 500, 566, 626, 700, and 766 into thesemiconductor body during elevated-temperature fabrication stepssubsequent to the p-type main S/D implantation.

Boron penetration into the semiconductor body could cause various typesof IGFET damage. Threshold voltage V_(T) could drift with IGFEToperational time. Low-frequency noise that occurs in an IGFET iscommonly referred to as “1/f” noise because the low-frequency noise isusually roughly proportional to the inverse of the IGFET's switchingfrequency. Such boron penetration could produce traps along the uppersemiconductor surface at the gate-dielectric/monosilicon interface.These interface traps could cause excessive 1/f noise.

Gate dielectric layers 500, 566, and 700 of p-channel IGFETs 110, 114,and 122 are of low thickness value t_(GdL). As a result, gate electrodes502, 568, and 702 of IGFETs 110, 114, and 122 are closer to theunderlying semiconductor body than are gate electrodes 302, 386, 628,and 768 of p-channel IGFETs 102, 106, 118, and 122 whose gate dielectriclayers 300, 384, 626, and 766 are of high thickness value t_(GdH). Theconcern about boron in gate electrodes 302, 386, 502, 568, 628, 702, and768 diffusing through respective underlying gate dielectric layers 300,384, 500, 566, 626, 700, and 766 into the semiconductor body so as tocause IGFET damage is especially critical for IGFETs 110, 114, and 122.

Nitrogen inhibits boron diffusion through silicon oxide. For thispurpose, nitrogen is incorporated into the gate dielectric layers of theillustrated IGFETs, particularly gate dielectric layers 300, 384, 500,566, 626, 700, and 766 of p-channel IGFETs 102, 106, 110, 114, 118, 122,and 126, to inhibit boron in the gate electrodes of the illustratedIGFETs from diffusing through their gate electrodes and into thesemiconductor body to cause IGFET damage.

The presence of nitrogen in the semiconductor body can be damagingdepending on the amount and distribution of nitrogen in thesemiconductor body. The incorporation of nitrogen into the gatedielectric layers of the illustrated IGFETs, especially low-thicknessgate dielectric layers 500, 566, and 700 of p-channel IGFETs 110, 114,and 122, is therefore controlled in accordance with the invention so asto have a vertical concentration profile which is likely to result invery little nitrogen-caused IGFET damage. Nitrogen constitutes 6-12%,preferably 9-11%, typically 10%, of each of low-thickness gatedielectric layers 500, 566, and 700 by mass.

High-thickness gate dielectric layers 300, 384, 626, and 766 ofp-channel IGFETs 102, 106, 118, and 126 contain a lower percentage bymass of nitrogen than low-thickness gate dielectric layers 500, 566, and700. The percentage by mass of nitrogen in high-thickness gatedielectric layers 300, 384, 626, and 766 approximately equals thepercentage by mass of nitrogen in low-thickness gate dielectric layers500, 566, and 700 multiplied by the below-unity ratio t_(GdL)/t_(GdH) oflow dielectric thickness value t_(GdL) to high dielectric thicknessvalue t_(GdH). For the typical situation in which low dielectricthickness t_(GdL) is 2 nm while high dielectric thickness t_(GdH) is6-6.5 nm, low-to-high gate dielectric thickness ratio t_(GdL)/t_(GdH) is0.30-0.33. Nitrogen then typically constitutes roughly 2-4%, typicallyroughly 3%, of each of high-thickness gate dielectric layers 300, 384,626, and 766 by mass.

FIG. 45 illustrates how the nitrogen concentration N_(N2) varies withnormalized gate dielectric depth according to the invention's teachings.The normalized gate dielectric depth is (i) the actual depth y′ into thegate dielectric layer, such as gate dielectric layer 500, 566, or 700,measured from its upper surface divided by (ii) average gate dielectricthickness t_(GdL) e.g., low-thickness value t_(GdL) for gate dielectriclayer 500, 566, or 700. Normalized gate dielectric depth y′/t_(Gd)therefore varies from 0 at the upper gate dielectric surface to 1 at thelower surface of the gate dielectric layer. The lower gate dielectricsurface is the same as part of the upper semiconductor surface becausethe gate dielectric layer adjoins the monosilicon of the semiconductorbody.

Normalized gate dielectric height is also shown along the top of FIG.45. The normalized gate dielectric depth is (i) the actual height y″measured from the lower gate dielectric surface divided (ii) by averagegate dielectric thickness t_(Gd). The sum of actual depth y′ and actualheight y″ equals average gate dielectric thickness t_(Gd). Normalizedgate dielectric height y″/t_(Gd) is thus the complement of normalizedgate dielectric depth y′/t_(Gd). That is, normalized gate dielectricheight y″/t_(Gd) equals 1−y′/t_(Gd). Any parameter described withrespect to normalized gate dielectric depth y′/t_(Gd) can be describedin an equivalent manner with respect to normalized gate dielectricheight y″/t_(Gd). For instance, a parameter having a particular value ata y′/t_(Gd) normalized gate dielectric depth value of 0.7 has the samevalue at the y″/t_(Gd) normalized gate dielectric height value of 0.3.

The vertical nitrogen concentration profile in a gate dielectric layer,e.g., low-thickness gate dielectric layer 500, 566, or 700 of p-channelIGFET 110, 114, or 122, is characterized by several parameters, each ofwhich falls into a specified maximum parameter range and one or morepreferred smaller sub-ranges. FIG. 45 presents seven vertical profilecurves representing the variation of nitrogen concentration N_(N2) inthe gate dielectric layer as a function of normalized gate dielectricdepth y′/t_(Gd) or normalized gate dielectric height y″/t_(Gd).

With the foregoing in mind, nitrogen concentration N_(N2) reaches amaximum value N_(N2max) of 2×10²¹−6×10²¹ atoms/cm³ along amaximum-nitrogen-concentration location in the gate dielectric layerwhen gate dielectric depth y′ is at an averagemaximum-nitrogen-concentration depth value y′_(N2max) below the uppergate dielectric surface. The value y′_(N2max)/t_(Gd) of normalized depthy′/t_(Gd) at the maximum-nitrogen-concentration location in the gatedielectric layer is normally no more than 0.2, preferably 0.05-0.15,typically 0.1 as depicted in the example of FIG. 45. Taking note of thefact that low average gate dielectric thickness value t_(GdL) isnormally 1-3 nm, preferably 1.5-2.5 nm, typically 2 nm, this means thatmaximum-nitrogen-concentration depth value y′_(N2max) is normally nomore than 0.4 nm, preferably 0.1-0.3 nm, typically 0.2 nm, at thetypical value of 2 nm for gate dielectric thickness t_(GdL) oflow-thickness gate dielectric layers 500, 566, and 700 of p-channelIGFETs 110, 114, and 122.

The N_(N2) vertical profile curve at the lowest value, 2×10²¹ atoms/cm³,of maximum nitrogen concentration N_(N2max) is labeled “Lower-limitN_(N2) Profile” in FIG. 45 to indicate the lowest nitrogen concentrationvertical profile. The N_(N2) vertical profile curve at the highestvalue, 6×10²¹ atoms/cm³, of maximum nitrogen concentration N_(N2max) issimilarly labeled “Upper-limit N_(N2) Profile” in FIG. 45 to indicatethe highest nitrogen concentration vertical profile. Subject to being inthe range of 2×10²¹−6×10²¹ atoms/cm³, maximum nitrogen concentrationN_(N2max) is preferably at least 3×10²¹ atoms/cm³, more preferably atleast 4×10²¹ atoms/cm³, even more preferably at least 4.5×10²¹atoms/cm³. Also, maximum nitrogen concentration N_(N2max) is preferablyno more than 5.5×10²¹ atoms/cm³, typically 5×10²¹ atoms/cm³ as indicatedby the N_(N2) vertical profile curve labeled “Typical N_(N2) Profile” inFIG. 45.

The percentage of nitrogen by mass in the gate dielectric layerincreases with increasing maximum nitrogen concentration N_(N2maX). Thelower-limit, typical, and upper-limit nitrogen concentration profiles inFIG. 45 therefore respectively correspond roughly to the 6% lowest masspercentage, 10% typical mass percentage, and 12%, highest masspercentage of nitrogen in the gate dielectric layer.

Nitrogen concentration N_(N2) decreases from maximum nitrogenconcentration N_(N2max) to a very small value as normalized depthy′/t_(Gd) increases from normalized maximum-nitrogen-concentration depthvalue y′_(N2max)/t_(Gd) to 1 at the lower gate dielectric surface. Moreparticularly, concentration N_(N2) in the gate dielectric layer ispreferably substantially zero at a distance of approximately onemonolayer of atoms from the lower gate dielectric surface and istherefore substantially zero along the lower gate dielectric surface.

Additionally, nitrogen concentration N_(N2) reaches a low valueN_(N2low) of 1×10²⁰ atoms/cm³ when depth y′ is at an intermediate valuey′_(N2low) between maximum-nitrogen-concentration depth y′_(N2max) andthe lower gate dielectric surface. Accordingly, concentration N_(N2) isat low value N_(N2low) when normalized depth y′/t_(Gd) is at anormalized intermediate value y′_(N2low)/t_(Gd) between normalizedmaximum-nitrogen-concentration depth y′_(N2max)/t_(Gd) and 1. Normalizedintermediate depth value y′_(N2low)/t_(Gd) at the N_(N2low) low nitrogenconcentration value of 1×10²⁰ atoms/cm³ normally ranges from a high of0.9 to a low of 0.6. Subject to being in this range, normalizedintermediate-nitrogen-concentration depth y′_(N2low)/t_(Gd) ispreferably at least 0.65, more preferably at least 0.7, even morepreferably at least 0.75. Normalized intermediate depthy′_(N2low)/t_(Gd) is preferably no more than 0.85, typically 0.8 asindicated by the typical nitrogen concentration vertical profile in FIG.45.

Normalized intermediate-nitrogen-concentration depth valuey′_(N2low)/t_(Gd) increases as maximum nitrogen concentration N_(N2max)increases. In the example of FIG. 45, the y′_(N2low)/t_(Gd) normalizedintermediate-nitrogen-concentration depth values of 0.6. 0.65, 0.7,0.75, 0.8, 0.85, and 0.9 respectively occur on the nitrogenconcentration vertical profile curves at maximum nitrogen concentrationvalues N_(N2max) of 2×10²¹, 3×10²¹, 4×10²¹, 4.5×10²¹, 5×10²¹, and 6×10²¹atoms/cm³. Nitrogen concentration N_(N2) normally decreases largelymonotonically in moving from maximum nitrogen-concentration valueN_(N2max) at normalized maximum-nitrogen-concentration depthy′_(N2max)/t_(Gd) to low nitrogen-concentration value N_(N2low) atnormalized intermediate-nitrogen-concentration depth y′_(N2low)/t_(Gd).

Nitrogen concentration N_(N2) is at a somewhat lower value N_(N2top) atthe upper gate dielectric surface than at depth y′_(N2max) of maximumnitrogen concentration N_(N2max). Taking note that maximum nitrogenvalue N_(N2max) ranges from 2×10²¹ atoms/cm³ to 6×10²¹ atoms/cm³,upper-surface nitrogen-concentration value ranges from 1×10²¹ atoms/cm³to 5×10²¹ atoms/cm³. Subject to being in this range, upper-surfacenitrogen concentration N_(N2top) is preferably at least 2×10²¹atoms/cm³, more preferably at least 3×10²¹ atoms/cm³, even morepreferably at least 3.5×10²¹ atoms/cm³. Upper-surface nitrogenconcentration N_(N2top) is preferably no more than 4.5×10²¹ atoms/cm³,typically 4×10²¹ atoms/cm³ as indicated by typical N_(N2) profile inFIG. 45. In the example of the nitrogen concentration vertical profilecurves shown in FIG. 45, the N_(N2top) upper-surface nitrogenconcentration values of 1×10²¹, 2×10²¹, 3×10²¹, 3.5×10²¹, 4×10²¹,4.5×10²¹, and 5×10²¹ atoms/cm³ respectively occur on the nitrogenconcentration vertical profile curves at maximum nitrogen concentrationvalues N_(N2max) of 2×10²¹, 3×10²¹, 4×10²¹, 4.5×10²¹, 5×10²¹, 5.5×10²¹,and 6×10²¹ atoms/cm³.

Several factors affect the selection of a particular nitrogenconcentration profile in accordance with the nitrogen concentrationprofile characteristics depicted in FIG. 45. The upper-limit nitrogenconcentration profile in FIG. 45 is generally most effective inpreventing boron in the gate electrode from passing through the gatedielectric layer and into the underlying monosilicon, particularly theIGFET's channel zone, and preventing IGFET damage. Because, theupper-limit profile corresponds to the highest mass percentage ofnitrogen in the gate dielectric layer, the risk of nitrogen-inducedthreshold-voltage drift with operational time in a p-channel IGFET dueto negative bias temperature instability is increased. Also, theupper-limit profile places more nitrogen closer to the uppersemiconductor surface where the channel zone meets the gate dielectriclayer. This increases the risk of reduced charge mobility due toincreased trap density at the gate-dielectric/channel-zone interface.

The lower-limit nitrogen concentration profile in FIG. 45 reduces therisks of nitrogen-induced threshold-voltage drift and reduced chargemobility in the channel zone. However, the accompanying lowest masspercentage of nitrogen in the gate dielectric layer reduces theeffectiveness of preventing boron in the gate electrode from passingthrough the gate dielectric layer and into the channel zone. One goodcompromise is to select a vertical nitrogen concentration profile havingcharacteristics close to the typical nitrogen concentration profile inFIG. 45, e.g., characteristics in the preferred range extending from thenitrogen concentration profile just below the typical nitrogenconcentration profile to the nitrogen concentration profile just abovethe typical nitrogen concentration profile. Other considerations maylead to selection of a vertical nitrogen concentration profile whosecharacteristics are farther away from the typical nitrogen concentrationprofile but still within the range of characteristics defined by theupper-limit and lower-limit nitrogen concentration profiles in FIG. 45.

By arranging for the concentration of nitrogen in the gate dielectriclayer, especially low-thickness gate dielectric layer 500, 566, or 700of each p-channel IGFET 110, 114, or 122, to have the preceding verticalcharacteristics, especially vertical characteristics close to those ofthe typical nitrogen concentration profile in FIG. 45, threshold V_(T)of IGFET is highly stable with IGFET operational time. Threshold-voltagedrift is substantially avoided. IGFETs 110, 114, and 122 incur verylittle low-frequency 1/f noise. The reliability and performance ofIGFETs 110, 114, and 122 are considerably enhanced.

As described below, the introduction of nitrogen into gate dielectriclayers 300, 384, 500, 566, 626, 700, and 766 of p-channel IGFETs 102,106, 110, 114, 118, 122, and 126 during the very high dosage p-type mainS/D implantation occurs along the upper surfaces of dielectric layers300, 384, 500, 566, 626, 700, and 766. Each high-thickness gatedielectric layer 300, 384, 626, or 766 therefore includes an upperportion having roughly the same vertical nitrogen concentration profileas low-thickness gate dielectric layer 500, 566, or 700. For instance,depths y′_(N2max) of maximum nitrogen concentration N_(N2max) inhigh-thickness gate dielectric layers 300, 384, 626, and 766 of IGFETs102, 106, 118, and 126 is normally approximately the same as depthsy′_(N2max) of maximum nitrogen concentration N_(N2max) in low-thicknessgate dielectric layers 500, 566, and 700 of IGFETs 110, 114, and 122.

The upper portion of each high-thickness gate dielectric layer 300, 384,626, or 766 having approximately the same vertical nitrogenconcentration profile as low-thickness gate dielectric layer 500, 566,or 700 extends from the upper surface of gate dielectric layer 300, 384,626, or 766 to a depth y′ approximately equal to low gate dielectricthickness t_(GdL) into layer 300, 384, 626, or 766. Inasmuch as gatedielectric thickness t_(Gd) is high value t_(GdH) for high-thicknessgate dielectric layers 300, 384, 626, and 766 whereas gate dielectricthickness t_(Gd) is low value t_(GdL) for low-thickness gate dielectriclayers 500, 566, and 700, a nitrogen concentration characteristic occursin high-thickness gate dielectric layer 300, 384, 626, or 766 at anormalized y′/t_(Gd) depth value approximately equal to the normalizedy′/t_(Gd) depth value of that nitrogen concentration characteristic inlow-thickness gate dielectric layer 500, 566, or 700 multiplied by thelow-to-high gate dielectric thickness ratio t_(GdL)/t_(GdH).

One example of the preceding depth normalization item is that normalizeddepth y′_(N2max)/t_(Gd) of maximum nitrogen concentration N_(N2max) inhigh-thickness gate dielectric layer 300, 384, 626, or 766 approximatelyequals normalized depth y′_(N2max)/t_(Gd) of that maximum nitrogenconcentration N_(N2max) in low-thickness gate dielectric layer 500, 566,or 700 multiplied by the low-to-high gate dielectric thickness ratiot_(GdL)/t_(GdH). As another example, normalized depth y′_(N2low)/t_(Gd)at low nitrogen concentration N_(N2low) of 1×10²⁰ atoms/cm³ inhigh-thickness gate dielectric layer 300, 384, 626, or 766 for aparticular value of maximum nitrogen concentration N_(N2max)approximately equals normalized depth y′_(N2low)/t_(Gd) of low nitrogenconcentration N_(N2low) in low-thickness gate dielectric layer 500, 566,or 700 multiplied by the low-to-high gate dielectric thickness ratiot_(GdL)/t_(GdH). Due to the increased gate dielectric thickness and theforegoing vertical nitrogen concentration profile in high-thickness gatedielectric layers 300, 384, 626, and 766, IGFETs 102, 106, 118, and 126incur very little threshold-voltage drift and 1/f noise. Theirreliability and performance are likewise considerably enhanced.

R2. Fabrication of Nitrided Gate Dielectric Layers

FIGS. 46 a-46 g (collectively “FIG. 46”) illustrate steps in providingthe illustrated IGFETs with nitrided gate dielectric layers inaccordance with the invention so that low-thickness gate dielectriclayers 500, 566, and 700 of p-channel IGFETs 110, 114, and 122 achievevertical nitrogen concentration profiles having the characteristicspresented in FIG. 45. For simplicity, FIG. 46 only illustrates thenitridization for low-thickness gate dielectric layer 566 of symmetriclow-voltage p-channel IGFET 114 and for high-thickness gate dielectriclayer 626 of symmetric high-voltage p-channel IGFET 118. Thenitridization for low-thickness gate dielectric layers 500 and 700 ofsymmetric low-voltage p-channel IGFETs 110 and 122 is achieved in thesame way, and has the substantially the same vertical characteristics,as the nitridization for low-thickness gate dielectric layer 566 ofIGFET 114. The nitridization for high-thickness gate dielectric layers300, 384, and 766 of p-channel IGFETs 102, 106, and 126 is similarlyachieved in the same way, and has the substantially the same verticalcharacteristics, as the nitridization for high-thickness gate dielectriclayer 626 of IGFET 118.

The nitridization procedure of FIG. 46 begins with the structureexistent immediately after the stage of FIGS. 33 i.4 and 33 i.5. FIG. 46a illustrates how the portion of the overall CIGFET structure intendedfor p-channel IGFETs 114 and 118 appears at this point. Screen oxidelayer 924 covers islands 154 and 158 for IGFETs 114 and 118. Anisolating moderately doped p well region 990 is situated belowfield-insulation region 138 and between precursor n-type main wellregions 194P and 198P of IGFETs 114 and 118 in order to electricallyisolate IGFETs 114 and 118 from each other. P well region 990 can bedeleted in embodiments where IGFETs 114 and 118 are not adjacent to eachother.

Screen oxide layer 924 is removed. Referring to FIG. 46 b, thickgate-dielectric-containing dielectric layer 942 is thermally grown alongthe upper semiconductor surface in the manner described above inconnection with FIG. 33 j. A portion of thick dielectric layer 942 is atthe lateral location for, and later constitutes a portion of,high-thickness gate dielectric layer 626 of p-channel IGFET 118. Thickdielectric layer 942 consists substantially solely of silicon oxide. Thethickness of layer 942 is slightly less than the intended t_(GdH)thickness, normally 4-8 nm, preferably 5-7 nm, typically 6-6.5 nm.

The above-mentioned photoresist mask (not shown) having openings abovethe monosilicon islands for the illustrated low-voltage IGFETs is formedon thick dielectric layer 942. The uncovered material of dielectriclayer 942 is removed to expose the islands for the illustratedlow-voltage IGFETs, including island 154 for p-channel IGFET 114. Withreference to FIG. 46 c, item 942R is again the remainder of thickgate-dielectric-containing dielectric layer 942. After removing a thinlayer (not shown) of silicon along the upper surface of each of themonosilicon islands for the illustrated low-voltage IGFETs, thephotoresist is removed.

The wet-oxidizing thermal growth operation is performed on thesemiconductor structure in a thermal-growth chamber to thermally growthin gate-dielectric-containing dielectric layer 944 along the uppersemiconductor surface above the monosilicon islands for the illustratedlow-voltage IGFETs, including island 154 for p-channel IGFET 114, asdescribed above in connection with FIG. 33 k. See FIG. 46 c. A portionof thin dielectric layer 944 later constitutes low-thickness gatedielectric layer 566 for IGFET 114. Layer 944 consists substantiallysolely of silicon oxide at this point. Items 992 and 994 in FIG. 46 crespectively indicate the lower and upper surfaces of thin dielectriclayer 944. Items 996 and 998 respectively indicate the lower and uppersurfaces of thick dielectric remainder 942R.

The above-mentioned plasma nitridization operation is performed on thesemiconductor structure to introduce nitrogen into thin dielectric layer944 and thick dielectric remainder 942R. See FIG. 46 d. The plasmanitridization is conducted in such a way that low-thickness gatedielectric layer 566 of p-channel IGFET 114 achieves a vertical nitrogenconcentration profile having the characteristics represented in FIG. 45when the fabrication of IGFET is complete. In particular, the plasmanitridization is typically performed so that the nitrogen concentrationin gate dielectric layer 566 at the end of IGFET fabrication is close tothe typical vertical nitrogen concentration profile shown in FIG. 45.

The nitridization plasma normally consists largely of inert gas andnitrogen. The inert gas is preferably helium. In that case, the heliumnormally constitutes over 80% of the plasma by volume.

The plasma nitridization is conducted in a plasma-generation chamber atan effective plasma power of 200-400 watts, typically 300 watts, for60-90 s, typically 75 s, at a pressure of 5-20 mtorr, typically 10mtorr. The plasma pulsing frequency is 5-15 kHz, typically 10 kHz, at apulsing duty cycle of 5-25%, typically 10%. The resulting nitrogen ionsnormally impinge largely perpendicularly on upper surface 994 of thindielectric layer 944 and on upper surface 998 of thick dielectricremainder 942R. The nitrogen ion dosage is 1×10¹⁵−5×10¹⁵ ions/cm²,preferably 2.5×10¹⁵−3.5×10¹⁵ ions/cm², typically 2×10¹⁵ ions/cm².

The partially completed CIGFET structure is removed from theplasma-generation chamber and is transferred to a thermal-growth chamberfor the above-mentioned intermediate RTA in oxygen. During the transferoperation, some of the nitrogen outgases from upper surface 994 of thindielectric layer 944 and from upper surface 998 of thick dielectricremainder 942R as indicated in FIG. 46 e. The outgassed nitrogen,referred to as unassociated nitrogen, consists largely of nitrogen atomswhich have not formed significant bonds with the silicon or/and oxygenof thin dielectric layer 944 and thick dielectric remainder 942R. Priorto outgassing, the unassociated outgassed nitrogen atoms are largelysituated along, or close to, upper gate dielectric surfaces 994 and 998.

As mentioned above, the intermediate RTA causes the thickness of thindielectric layer 944 to increase somewhat. The thickness of thindielectric layer 944 is substantially the t_(GdL) low gate dielectricvalue of 1-3 nm, preferably 1.5-2.5 nm, typically 2 nm, at the end ofthe intermediate RTA. Due primarily to (i) the slight thickness increaseof thin dielectric layer 944 during the intermediate RTA and (ii) thenitrogen outgassing from upper surface 994 of dielectric layer 944during the transfer operation, the nitrogen in layer 944 reaches amaximum concentration along a maximum-nitrogen-concentration locationsomewhat below upper gate dielectric surface 994. Normalized depthy′/t_(Gd) at the maximum-nitrogen-concentration location in thindielectric layer 944 is normally no more than 0.2, preferably 0.05-0.15,typically 0.1, with gate dielectric thickness t_(Gd) being equal tot_(GdL).

As likewise mentioned above, the thermal-growth steps used in formingthin dielectric layer 944 also cause the thickness of thick dielectricremainder 942R to increase slightly. The thickness of dielectricremainder 942R is substantially the t_(GdH) high gate dielectric valueof 4-8 nm, preferably 5-7 nm, typically 6-6.5 nm, at the end of theintermediate RTA. The nitrogen in thick dielectric remainder 942Rreaches a maximum concentration along a maximum-nitrogen-concentrationlocation somewhat below upper surface 998 of dielectric remainder 942Rdue primarily to (i) the slight thickness increase of dielectricremainder 942R during the intermediate RTA and (ii) the nitrogenoutgassing from upper gate dielectric surface 998 during the transferoperation.

Depths y′_(N2max) of maximum nitrogen concentration N_(N2max) in thickdielectric remainder 942R and thin dielectric layer 944 are normallyapproximately the same. Since gate dielectric thickness t_(Gd) is highvalue t_(GdH) for thick dielectric remainder 942R whereas gatedielectric thickness t_(Gd) is low value t_(GdL) for thin dielectriclayer 944, the greater thickness of thick dielectric remainder 942Rcauses normalized depth y′_(N2max)/t_(Gd) of maximum nitrogenconcentration N_(N2max) in thick dielectric remainder 942R to be lessthan normalized depth y′_(N2max)/t_(Gd) of maximum nitrogenconcentration N_(N2max) in thin dielectric layer 944. In particular,normalized maximum-nitrogen-concentration depth y′_(N2max)/t_(Gd) ofthick dielectric remainder 942R approximately equals normalizedmaximum-nitrogen-concentration depth y′_(N2max)/t_(Gd) of thindielectric layer 944 multiplied by the low-to-high gate dielectricthickness ratio t_(GdL)/t_(GdH).

Subject to the nitrogen outgassing between the plasma nitridizationoperation and the intermediate RTA, the shapes of the vertical nitrogenconcentration profiles in thin dielectric layer 944 and thick dielectricremainder 942R are largely determined by the conditions of theintermediate RTA, including the ambient gas, preferably oxygen, usedduring the intermediate RTA, and by the following plasma nitridizationparameters: effective power, pressure, dosing time, pulsing frequency,duty cycle, dosage, and gas constituency. Variously increasing theeffective plasma power, dosing time, pulsing frequency, and dosagecauses the nitrogen mass concentration in thin dielectric layer 944 andthick dielectric remainder 942R to increase. Decreasing the plasmapressure causes the nitrogen mass concentration in dielectric layer 944and dielectric remainder 942R to increase. The preceding plasmanitridization and intermediate RTA conditions are selected to achieve adesired vertical nitrogen concentration profile in thin dielectric layer944, normally one close to the typical nitrogen concentration profileshown in FIG. 45.

The remainder of the IGFET processing is conducted in the mannerdescribed above in connection with FIG. 33. FIG. 46 f illustrates howthe structure of FIG. 46 appears at the stage of FIG. 33 l at whichprecursor gate electrodes 568P and 628P are respectively defined forp-channel IGFETs 114 and 118. The portions of thin dielectric layer 944and thick dielectric layer 942R not covered by the precursor gateelectrodes, including precursor gate electrodes 568P and 628P, have beenremoved. Gate dielectric layer 566 of IGFET 114 is formed by the portionof thin dielectric layer 944 underlying precursor gate electrode 568P.Gate dielectric layer 626 of IGFET 118 is similarly formed by theportion of thick dielectric remainder 942R underlying precursor gateelectrode 628P.

Item 992R in FIG. 46 f constitutes the portion of lower surface 992 ofthin dielectric layer 944 underlying precursor gate electrode 568P. Item994R constitutes the portion of upper surface 994 of dielectric layer944 underlying gate electrode 568P. Accordingly, items 992R and 994Rrespectively are the lower and upper surfaces of gate dielectric layer566 of p-channel IGFET 114. Item 996R constitutes the portion of lowersurface 996 of thick dielectric remainder 942R underlying precursor gateelectrode 628P. Item 998R constitutes the portion of upper surface 998of dielectric remainder 942R underlying gate electrode 628P. Items 996Rand 998R thus respectively are the lower and upper surfaces of gatedielectric layer 626 of p-channel IGFET 118.

FIG. 46 g illustrates how the structure of FIG. 46 appears at the stageof FIG. 33 y when the p-type main S/D ion implantation is performed withboron at a very high dosage. Photoresist mask 972 having opening aboveislands 154 and 158 for p-channel IGFETs 114 and 118 is formed ondielectric layers 962 and 964. Although photoresist 972 does not appearin FIG. 46 g because only IGFETs 104 and 118 appear in FIG. 46 g, thep-type main S/D dopant is ion implanted at a very high dosage throughthe openings in photoresist 972, through the uncovered sections ofsurface dielectric layer 964, and into vertically corresponding portionsof the underlying monosilicon to define (a) p++ main S/D portions 550Mand 552M of IGFET 114 and (b) p++ main S/D portions 610M and 612M ofIGFET 118.

As in the stage of FIG. 33 y, the boron of the p-type main S/D dopantalso enters precursor gate electrodes 568P and 628P for IGFETs 114 and118, thereby converting precursor electrodes 568P and 628P respectivelyinto p++ gate electrodes 568 and 628. The p-type main S/D implantationis performed in the manner, and at the conditions, described above, inconnection with the process of FIG. 33 after which photoresist 970 isremoved.

Importantly, the nitrogen in gate dielectric layer 566 of IGFET 114substantially prevents the boron implanted into gate electrode 568 frompassing through gate dielectric 566 into the underlying monosilicon,particularly into n-type channel zone 554. The combination of thenitrogen in gate dielectric layer 626 of IGFET 118 and the increasedthickness of gate dielectric 626 substantially prevents the boronimplanted into gate electrode 628 from passing through gate dielectriclayer 626 into the underlying monosilicon, particularly into n-typechannel zone 614. Additionally, the introduction of nitrogen into gatedielectric layers 566 and 626 is performed prior to the ion implantationof boron into gate electrodes 568 and 628. Boron therefore cannot passthrough gate dielectric layers 566 and 626 before the boron-stoppingnitrogen is introduced into them.

Upon completion of the above-mentioned further spike anneal and thelater processing steps including the metal silicide formation, thenitrogen in low-thickness gate dielectric layer 566 of p-channel IGFET114 has a vertical concentration profile having the characteristicspresented in FIG. 45, typically characteristics close to the typicalvertical nitrogen concentration profile shown in FIG. 45. The sameapplies to the nitrogen in low-thickness gate dielectric layers 500 and700 of p-channel IGFETs 110 and 122. The monosilicon underlying gatedielectric layers 500, 566, and 700, particularly the monosilicon ofchannel zones 484, 554, and 684, of respective IGFETs 110, 114, and 122is largely nitrogen free.

The nitrogen in an upper portion of high-thickness gate dielectric layer626 of p-channel IGFET 118 has a vertical concentration profile havingcharacteristics close to the vertical nitrogen concentration profileshown in low-thickness gate dielectric layer 500, 566, or 700 of IGFET110, 114, or 122. The underlying lower portion of gate dielectric layer626 contains very little nitrogen. In particular, the nitrogenconcentration along lower gate dielectric surface 996R is substantiallyzero. The same applies to the nitrogen in high-thickness gate dielectriclayers 300, 384, and 766 of p-channel IGFETs 102, 106, and 126. Themonosilicon underlying gate dielectric layers 300, 384, 626 and 766,particularly the monosilicon of channel zones 284, 362, 624, and 754, ofrespective IGFETs 102, 106, 118, and 126 is likewise largely nitrogenfree.

S. Variations

While the invention has been described with reference to particularembodiments, this description is solely for the purpose of illustrationand is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the inventionclaimed below. For instance, silicon in the semiconductor body or/and ingate electrodes can be replaced with other semiconductor materials.Replacement candidates include germanium, a silicon-germanium alloy, andGroup 3a-Group 5a alloys such as gallium arsenide. The composite gateelectrodes formed with the doped polysilicon gate electrodes and therespectively overlying metal silicide layers can be replaced with gateelectrodes consisting substantially fully of refractory metal orsubstantially fully of metal silicide, e.g., cobalt silicide, nickelsilicide, or platinum silicide with dopant provided in the silicide gateelectrodes to control their work functions.

Polysilicon is a type of non-monosilicon. The gate electrodes have beendescribed above as preferably consisting of doped polysilicon.Alternatively, the gate electrodes can consist of another type of dopednon-monosilicon such as doped amorphous silicon or dopedmulticrystalline silicon. Even when the gate electrodes consist of dopedpolysilicon, the precursors to the gate electrodes can be deposited asamorphous silicon or another type of non-monosilicon other thanpolysilicon. The elevated temperatures during the elevated-temperaturesteps following the deposition of the precursor gate electrodes causethe silicon in the gate electrodes to be converted to polysilicon.

The gate dielectric layers of the illustrated IGFETs can alternativelybe formed with materials, such as hafnium oxide, of high dielectricconstant. In that event, the typical t_(GdL) low and tam high values ofgate dielectric thickness are normally respectively somewhat higher thanthe typical t_(GdL) and t_(GdH) values given above.

In an alternative where the n-type deep S/D-extension dopant is the samen-type dopant as the n-type shallow source-extension dopant, an annealmay be optionally performed between (i) the stage of FIG. 33 o for then-type deep S/D-extension implantation and (ii) the stage of FIG. 33 pfor the n-type shallow source-extension implantation in order to causethe n-type deep S/D-extension dopant to diffuse without causing then-type shallow source-extension dopant to diffuse because itsimplantation has not yet been performed. This facilitates enablingasymmetric n-channel IGFET 100 to achieve the dopant distributions ofFIG. 17.

Each asymmetric high-voltage IGFET 100 or 102 can be provided in avariation having any two or more of (a) specially tailored pocketportion 250U or 290U of asymmetric high-voltage IGFET 100U or 102U, (b)the vertical junction grading of asymmetric high-voltage IGFET 100V or102V, (c) the below-drain hypoabrupt vertical dopant profile ofasymmetric high-voltage IGFET 100X or 102X, and (d) the below-sourcehypoabrupt vertical dopant profile of IGFET 100X or 102X. Taking note ofthe above-mentioned differences between asymmetric n-channel IGFETs 100Vand 100W, asymmetric n-channel IGFET 100 can also be provided in avariation having one or more of the preceding four features and ann-type source configured the same as source 980 to include a veryheavily doped n-type main portion and a more lightly doped, but stillheavily doped, n-type source extension defined by ion implanting n-typesemiconductor dopant in at least two separate implantation operations soas to have the above-described multiple concentration-maximacharacteristics of source extension 980E. The same applies to asymmetricp-channel IGFET 102 subject to reversing the conductivity types.

Each extended-drain IGFET 104U or 106U can be provided in a variationhaving the source junction vertical grading of extended-drain IGFET 104Vor 106V. Each symmetric IGFET 112, 114, 124, or 126 can be provided in avariation having the vertical junction grading of symmetric IGFET 112,114, 124, or 126 and the below-S/D-zone hypoabrupt vertical dopantprofile of IGFET 100X or 102X. More generally, each illustrated IGFETidentified by a reference symbol beginning with three numbers can beprovided in a variation having the characteristics of two or more otherIGFETs identified by reference symbols beginning with the same threenumbers to the extent to that the characteristics are compatible.

In a variation of extended-drain n-channel IGFET 104, p halo pocketportion 326 extends from n-type source 320 fully across the locationwhere p-type main well region 184A reaches the upper semiconductorsurface. As a result, p-type main well 184A may cease to meet the p-typeempty-well requirement that the concentration of the p-typesemiconductor dopant in main well 184A decrease by at least a factor of10 in moving upward from the subsurface location of the deep p-typeconcentration maximum in well 184A along a selected vertical location,such as vertical line 330, through well 184A to the upper semiconductorsurface. P-type main well 184A then becomes a filled p-type well regionin which the concentration of the p-type dopant in well 184A decreasesby less than a factor of 10 in moving from the subsurface location ofthe deep p-type concentration maximum in well 184A along any verticallocation through well 184A to the upper semiconductor surface.

N halo pocket portion 366 in a variation of extended-drain p-channelIGFET 106 similarly extends from p-type source 360 fully across thelocation where n-type main well region 186A reaches the uppersemiconductor surface. N-type main well 186A may then cease to meet then-type empty-well requirement that the concentration of the n-typesemiconductor dopant in main well 186A decrease by at least a factor of10 in moving upward from the subsurface location of the deep n-typeconcentration maximum in well 186A along a selected vertical location,such as vertical line 370, through well 186A to the upper semiconductorsurface. If so, n-type main well 186A becomes a filled n-type wellregion for which the concentration of the n-type dopant in well 186Adecreases by less than a factor of 10 in moving from the subsurfacelocation of the deep n-type concentration maximum in well 186A along anyvertical location through well 186A to the upper semiconductor surface.

In another variation of extended-drain IGFET 104 or 106, minimumwell-to-well spacing L_(WW) is chosen to be sufficiently great thatbreakdown voltage V_(BD) just saturates at its maximum value V_(BDmax).Although the peak value of the electric field in the monosilicon ofIGFET 104 or 106 thereby occurs at, very close to, the uppersemiconductor surface, the empty-well nature of drain 184B of IGFET 104or drain portion 186B of IGFET 106 still causes the peak value of theelectric field in the monosilicon of IGFET 104 or 106 to be reduced.This variation of extended-drain IGFET 104 or 106 has the maximumachievable value V_(BDmax) of breakdown voltage along with increasedreliability and lifetime close to the increased reliability and lifetimeof IGFET 104 or 106.

An n-channel IGFET may have a p-type boron-doped polysilicon gateelectrode instead of an n-type gate electrode as occurs with n-channelIGFET 108, 112, or 120 having low-thickness gate dielectric layer 460,536, or 560. In that case, the gate dielectric layer of the n-channelIGFET can be provided with nitrogen having the above-describednitrogen-concentration vertical profile characteristics for preventingboron in the p-type boron-doped polysilicon gate electrode from passingthrough the gate dielectric layer and into the channel zone of then-channel IGFET. Various modifications may thus be made by those skilledin the art without departing from the true scope of the invention asdefined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A structure comprising: a plurality oflike-polarity field-effect transistors (“FETs”) including at least onefirst FET and at least one second FET, the FETs being provided along anupper surface of a semiconductor body having body material doped withsemiconductor dopant of a first conductivity type so as to be of thefirst conductivity type, each FET comprising: a channel zone of a regionof the body material; first and second source/drain (“S/D”) zonessituated in the semiconductor body along its upper surface, laterallyseparated by the channel zone, and being of a second conductivity typeopposite to the first conductivity type so as to form respective pnjunctions with the body-material region such that: (a) each pn junctionreaches a maximum depth below the body's upper surface, (b) thebody-material region extends laterally under both S/D zones, and (c) thedopant of the first conductivity type is present in both S/D zones andhas a concentration which locally reaches a main subsurface maximumconcentration at a main subsurface maximum concentration locationextending laterally below largely all of each of the channel and S/Dzones, and (d) the main subsurface maximum concentration location occursno more than 10 times deeper below the body's upper surface than themaximum depth of the pn junction for each S/D zone; a gate dielectriclayer overlying the channel zone; and a gate electrode overlying thegate dielectric layer above the channel zone; wherein the concentrationof the dopant of the first conductivity type: (i) decreases by at leasta factor of 10 in moving upward from the main subsurface maximumconcentration location for each first FET along a selected verticallocation for that first FET through a specified one of the S/D zones ofthat first FET to the body's upper surface, (ii) decreases substantiallymonotonically in moving from the main subsurface maximum concentrationlocation for that first FET along the selected vertical location forthat first FET to the pn junction for the specified S/D zone of thatfirst FET, and (iii) reaches at least one additional subsurface maximumconcentration between the body's upper surface and the main subsurfacemaximum concentration location for each second FET such that eachadditional subsurface maximum concentration for that second FET occursat an additional subsurface maximum concentration location extendinglaterally below largely all material of the gate electrode of thatsecond FET overlying its channel zone and at least part of each of itsS/D zones; and wherein the gate dielectric layers selectively satisfy atleast two of the following gate dielectric layer requirements: a. thegate dielectric layer of one such first FET is of materially greaterthickness than the gate dielectric layer of one such second FET; b. thegate dielectric layers of one such first FET and one such second FET areof approximately the same thickness; c. the gate dielectric layer of onesuch second FET is of materially greater thickness than the gatedielectric layer of one such first FET; d. the gate dielectric layer ofone such first FET is of materially different thickness than the gatedielectric layer of another such first FET; and e. the gate dielectriclayer of one such second FET is of materially different thickness thanthe gate dielectric layer of another such second FET.
 2. A structure asin claim 1, wherein the gate dielectric layers selectively satisfy atleast three of the gate dielectric layer requirements.
 3. A structure asin claim 1, wherein the gate dielectric layers selectively satisfy atleast four of the gate dielectric layer requirements.
 4. A structure asin claim 1, wherein the gate dielectric layers satisfy all of the gatedielectric layer requirements.
 5. A structure as in claim 1 wherein theconcentration of the dopant of the first conductivity type decreases byless than a factor of 10 in moving from the main subsurface maximumconcentration location for each first FET along the selected verticallocation for that first FET to the pn junction for the specified S/Dzone of that first FET.
 6. A structure as in claim 1, wherein the gatedielectric layer of a specified one of the FETs has lower and upper gatedielectric surfaces, is of an average gate dielectric thickness, andcomprises semiconductor material, oxygen, and nitrogen at a gatedielectric nitrogen concentration: (i) which reaches a maximumconcentration of 2.times.10.sup.21-6.times.10.sup.21 atoms/cm.sup.3along a maximum-nitrogen-concentration location in the gate dielectriclayer when the normalized depth below the upper gate dielectric surfaceis at a normalized maximum-nitrogen-concentration depth value of no morethan 0.2, and (ii) which drops to 1.times.10.sup.20 atoms/cm.sup.3 whenthe normalized depth is at a higher value of up to 0.9, the normalizeddepth being the actual depth below the upper gate dielectric surfacedivided by the average gate dielectric thickness.
 7. A structure as inclaim 1, wherein the specified FET is a p-channel FET.
 8. A structurecomprising: a plurality of like-polarity field-effect transistors(“FETs”) including first FETs and second FETs, the FETs being providedalong an upper surface of a semiconductor body having body materialdoped with semiconductor dopant of a first conductivity type so as to beof the first conductivity type, each FET comprising: a channel zone of aregion of the body material; first and second source/drain (“S/D”) zonessituated in the semiconductor body along its upper surface, laterallyseparated by the channel zone, and being of a second conductivity typeopposite to the first conductivity type so as to form respective pnjunctions with the body-material region such that: (a) each pn junctionreaches a maximum depth below the body's upper surface, (b) thebody-material region extends laterally under both S/D zones, (c) thedopant of the first conductivity type is present in both S/D zones andhas a concentration which locally reaches a main subsurface maximumconcentration at a main subsurface maximum concentration locationextending laterally below largely all of each of the channel and S/Dzones, and (d) the main subsurface maximum concentration location occursno more than 10 times deeper below the body's upper surface than themaximum depth of the pn junction for each S/D zone; a gate dielectriclayer overlying the channel zone; and a gate electrode overlying thegate dielectric layer above the channel zone; wherein the concentrationof the dopant of the first conductivity type: (i) decreases by at leasta factor of 10 in moving upward from the main subsurface maximumconcentration location for each first FET along a selected verticallocation for that first FET through a specified one of the S/D zones ofthat first FET to the body's upper surface, (ii) decreases substantiallymonotonically in moving from the main subsurface maximum concentrationlocation for that first FET along the selected vertical location forthat first FET to the pn junction for the specified S/D zone of thatfirst FET, and (iii) reaches at least one additional subsurface maximumconcentration between the body's upper surface and the main subsurfacemaximum concentration location for each second FET such that eachadditional subsurface maximum concentration for that second FET occursat an additional subsurface maximum concentration location extendinglaterally below largely all material of the gate electrode of thatsecond FET overlying its channel zone and at least part of each of itsS/D zones; and wherein there are multiple instances in which one firstFET has a threshold voltage of materially lesser magnitude than onesecond FET and wherein the gate dielectric layers of the FETs in thoseinstances selectively satisfy at least two of the following gatedielectric layer requirements: a. the gate dielectric layers of one suchfirst FET and one such second FET are of approximately the samethickness; b. the gate dielectric layer of one such first FET is ofmaterially greater thickness than the gate dielectric layer of one suchsecond FET; and c. the gate dielectric layer of one such second FET isof materially greater thickness than the gate dielectric layer of thatone such first FET.
 9. A structure as in claim 8, wherein the gatedielectric layers of the FETs in those instances satisfy all of the gatedielectric layer requirements.
 10. A structure as in claim 8, whereinthe concentration of the dopant of the first conductivity type decreasesby less than a factor of 10 in moving from the main subsurface maximumconcentration location for each first FET along the selected verticallocation for that first FET to the pn junction for the specified S/Dzone of that first FET.
 11. A structure as in claim 8, wherein the gatedielectric layer of one such FET has lower and upper gate dielectricsurfaces, is of an average gate dielectric thickness, and comprisessemiconductor material, oxygen, and nitrogen at a gate dielectricnitrogen concentration: (i) which reaches a maximum concentration of2.times.10.sup.21-6.times.10.sup.21 atoms/cm.sup.3 along amaximum-nitrogen-concentration location in the gate dielectric layerwhen the normalized depth below the upper gate dielectric surface is ata normalized maximum-nitrogen-concentration depth value of no more than0.2 and (ii) which drops to 1.times.10.sup.20 atoms/cm.sup.3 when thenormalized depth is at a higher value of up to 0.9, the normalized depthbeing the actual depth below the upper gate dielectric surface dividedby the average gate dielectric thickness.
 12. A structure comprising: aplurality of like-polarity field-effect transistors (“FETs”) includingat least one first FET and at least one second FET, the FETs beingprovided along an upper surface of a semiconductor body having bodymaterial doped with semiconductor dopant of a first conductivity type soas to be of the first conductivity type, each FET comprising: a channelzone of a region of the body material; first and second source/drain(“S/D”) zones situated in the semiconductor body along its uppersurface, laterally separated by the channel zone, and being of a secondconductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type so as to formrespective pn junctions with the body-material region such that: (a)each pn junction reaches a maximum depth below the body's upper surface,(b) the body-material region extends laterally under both S/D zones, (c)the dopant of the first conductivity type is present in both S/D zonesand has a concentration which locally reaches a main subsurface maximumconcentration at a main subsurface maximum concentration locationextending laterally below largely all of each of the channel and S/Dzones, and (d) the main subsurface maximum concentration location occursno more than 10 times deeper below the body's upper surface than themaximum depth of the pn junction for each S/D zone; a gate dielectriclayer overlying the channel zone; and a gate electrode overlying thegate dielectric layer above the channel zone; wherein the concentrationof the dopant of the first conductivity type: (i) decreases by at leasta factor of 10 in moving upward from the main subsurface maximumconcentration location for each first FET along a selected verticallocation for that first FET through a specified one of the S/D zones ofthat first FET to the body's upper surface, (ii) decreases substantiallymonotonically in moving from the main subsurface maximum concentrationlocation for that first FET along the selected vertical location forthat first FET to the pn junction for the specified S/D zone of thatfirst FET, and (iii) reaches at least one additional subsurface maximumconcentration between the body's upper surface and the main subsurfacemaximum concentration location for each second FET such that eachadditional subsurface maximum concentration for that second FET occursat an additional subsurface maximum concentration location extendinglaterally below largely all material of the gate electrode of thatsecond FET overlying its channel zone and at least part of each of itsS/D zones; and wherein the FETs selectively satisfy at least one of thefollowing combinational requirements: a. one such first FET has athreshold voltage of materially lesser magnitude that one such secondFET, and the gate dielectric layer of that first FET is of materiallygreater thickness than the gate dielectric layer of that second FET; b.one such first FET has a threshold voltage of materially lessermagnitude that one such second FET, and the gate dielectric layer ofthat first FET is of materially lesser thickness than the gatedielectric layer of that second FET; c. one such first FET has athreshold voltage of materially lesser magnitude that one such secondFET, and the gate dielectric layers of those two first and second FETsare of materially greater thickness than the gate dielectric layer ofanother such FET; d. one such first FET has a threshold voltage ofmaterially lesser magnitude that one such second FET, and the gatedielectric layers of those two first and second FETs are of materiallylesser thickness than the gate dielectric layer of another such FET; e.one such first FET has a threshold voltage of materially lessermagnitude that each of two such second FETs whose respective thresholdvoltages differ materially in magnitude, and the gate dielectric layerof that first FET is of materially greater thickness than the gatedielectric layer of each of those second FETs; and f. one such first FEThas a threshold voltage of materially lesser magnitude that each of twosuch second FETs whose respective threshold voltages differ materiallyin magnitude, and the gate dielectric layer of each those three FETs isof materially lesser thickness than the gate dielectric layer of anothersuch FET.
 13. A structure as in claim 12, wherein the FETs selectivelysatisfy at least two of the combinational requirements.
 14. A structureas in claim 12, wherein the FETs selectively satisfy at least three ofthe combinational requirements.
 15. A structure as in claim 12, whereinthe FETs selectively satisfy at least four of the combinationalrequirements.
 16. A structure as in claim 12, wherein the FETsselectively satisfy at least five of the combinational requirements. 17.A structure as in claim 12, wherein the FETs satisfy all of thecombinational requirements a through f.
 18. A structure as in claim 12,wherein the concentration of the dopant of the first conductivity typedecreases by less than a factor of 10 in moving from the main subsurfacemaximum concentration location for each first FET along the selectedvertical location for that first FET to the pn junction for thespecified S/D zone of that first FET.